The community in Chesapeake is grappling with the tragic loss of 51-year-old Cliff O. Garris, who was struck and killed early Tuesday morning along Interstate 64. Virginia State Police say the fatal crash occurred around 6:53 a.m. on the eastbound side of the interstate near the 299-mile marker, a stretch of highway known for fast-moving traffic during the morning commute. The sudden loss has left many searching for answers about what led to the heartbreaking incident.
Troopers responded to the scene after receiving reports of a pedestrian in the roadway. When they arrived, they discovered that Garris had been hit by a 2023 Honda Civic. Emergency crews attempted to assist, but Garris died at the scene due to the severity of his injuries. The incident has raised questions among investigators, as it remains unclear why Garris was on the interstate at that time of day. Police say they are working to determine the circumstances that placed him in such a dangerous area.
The driver of the Honda Civic, identified as Ilsia Mendoza, remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. According to state police, Mendoza has been charged with failure to maintain control, though investigators have not yet released additional details about how the crash unfolded. Officers are continuing to examine evidence, collect witness statements, and reconstruct the events leading up to the collision.
Interstate 64 is one of the busiest roadways in the region, and crashes involving pedestrians are rare but often devastating. The early morning darkness combined with high-speed traffic creates conditions where drivers have little time to react. Garris’s death has brought renewed attention to the dangers of walking along or entering major highways, as well as the challenges drivers face when unexpected hazards appear in their path.
As news of the tragedy spread, members of the Chesapeake community expressed sorrow over the incident. Even without knowing Garris personally, many residents say the thought of a life lost in such a sudden and violent manner is deeply upsetting. The incident has also sparked conversations about road safety, driver awareness, and the importance of understanding what circumstances lead individuals to end up on interstate roads.
The Virginia State Police investigation remains ongoing, with officials working to determine the full sequence of events. As they search for answers, the community mourns Cliff Garris, a man whose life ended far too soon. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the crash to come forward as they continue their efforts to understand what happened on that tragic Tuesday morning.
