Home Virginia State Police seek public help with fatal Nelson County hit-and-run
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Virginia State Police seek public help with fatal Nelson County hit-and-run

Chris Graham

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Update: Thursday, 5:22 p.m. The Virginia State Police has received numerous leads and information concerning the fatal pedestrian crash in Nelson County. State police are continuing to follow up on them and pursue the investigation. No arrest has been made.

Anyone with information is still asked to contact the Virginia State Police Appomattox Division at 434-352-7128 or on a cell phone at #77 or by email at [email protected].

 

Original Story: Virginia State Police are seeking the public’s assistance with locating a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run of a pedestrian in Nelson County early Wednesday morning.

At approximately 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, a red Jeep was traveling along Route 6 when it ran off the road, went down an embankment, overturned and struck a tree. The driver, Daniel J. Rasnake, 21, of Shipman, Va., called a family member for help.

Then at some point between 3:45 a.m. and 4:15 a.m., Wednesday, Rasnake walked up Route 6 and was struck in the middle of the roadway. Rasnake, who was wearing dark, non-reflective clothing, died at the scene. He was struck on Route 6, near Route 810. There was heavy fog in the area at the time of the crash.

It is believed Rasnake was struck by a large and/or commercial vehicle.

Virginia State Police and the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office were alerted to the fatal crash scene at approximately 4:15 a.m. Wednesday.  The Virginia State Police Crash Reconstruction Team and Bureau of Criminal Investigation are assisting with the ongoing investigation by Trooper E.D. Everhart.

Anyone with information concerning this crash is asked to please contact the Virginia State Police Appomattox Division at434-352-7128 or on a cell phone at #77 or by email at [email protected].

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].

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