The community of Chilhowie is mourning the loss of 44-year-old Albert J. Stanton, who died Monday following a tragic traffic crash in Washington County. The fatal accident occurred early in the morning and has left family members, friends, and local residents saddened by the sudden loss of a man whose life ended far too soon.
According to the Virginia State Police, the single-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 7:40 a.m. on March 16 in the 8000 block of Crescent Road. Authorities say Stanton was driving a propane truck along the roadway when the vehicle suddenly left the right side of the road for reasons that remain under investigation.
Investigators reported that after leaving the roadway, the truck struck a power pole before overturning. The violent impact caused significant damage to the truck and created a dangerous situation at the crash site. Emergency responders quickly arrived and worked to secure the area while providing medical assistance to the injured driver.
Stanton was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Medical personnel worked to treat the injuries he sustained in the crash, but despite their efforts, he later succumbed to those injuries at the hospital. Officials confirmed that he was the only person involved in the crash.
Authorities remained at the scene for some time following the accident, documenting evidence and working to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the crash. The collision also caused damage to a power pole, prompting utility crews to respond to the area to assess and repair the damage caused during the incident.
The crash remains under investigation by Virginia State Police as officials continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the accident. Meanwhile, the Chilhowie community is grieving the loss of Albert J. Stanton. Friends, neighbors, and loved ones are remembering him while coping with the heartbreaking news of his passing. Officials continue to remind drivers to remain cautious on rural roadways as investigators work to understand what led to the tragic crash.
