KING WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — A 42-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was killed in a single-vehicle crash on the Fourth of July in King William County, Virginia. According to Virginia State Police, the deadly accident occurred shortly before 2:15 p.m. on Friday, July 4, on Walkerton Road, about half a mile from Route 30, also known as King William Road.
Investigators say a 2020 Freightliner M2 box truck was heading south when it suddenly veered off the roadway for unknown reasons. The driver tried to steer the vehicle back onto the road, but the sharp maneuver caused the truck to overturn. The impact was severe, and the vehicle came to rest on its side in the rural stretch of roadway.
The driver, identified as Ricardo Jennings, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. He was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. A passenger, a 26-year-old man from Alexandria, was wearing a seatbelt and survived the crash. He was transported to VCU Medical Center in Richmond for treatment. His condition has not been released, but officials confirmed he lived through the incident.
Virginia State Police are actively investigating the crash to determine what led to the loss of control. It remains unclear if speed, road conditions, driver fatigue, or distraction played a role. No other vehicles were involved, and authorities say there is currently no indication of foul play. The investigation may include analysis of vehicle data and roadway evidence to better understand the cause.
The tragic crash has renewed reminders from law enforcement about the importance of seatbelt use. Authorities stress that seatbelts can significantly improve the chances of surviving serious crashes, especially when a vehicle overturns. Jennings’ death adds to the list of fatalities reported during the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend, a time when law enforcement typically increases road patrols to monitor for dangerous driving.
Ricardo Jennings’ death has left his loved ones and community in mourning. Funeral plans have not yet been announced, and no public statement from the family has been shared. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could help the investigation to contact Virginia State Police. More details are expected as the investigation continues.