AMELIA COUNTY, Va. — Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred Tuesday morning on Patrick Henry Highway in Amelia County.
At approximately 6:10 a.m. on January 21, 2025, officers responded to the scene of a collision in the 11000 block of Patrick Henry Highway. The crash involved a 2018 Honda CR-V and a tractor-trailer.
According to state police, the Honda CR-V, driven by 78-year-old Paul Semtner of Blackstone, was traveling eastbound when the tractor-trailer reportedly veered into his lane, striking the vehicle. Semtner’s wife, 77-year-old Marilyn Semtner, was a front-seat passenger in the CR-V and suffered fatal injuries from the crash. Paul Semtner was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Both occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision.
The 27-year-old tractor-trailer driver, from Chesterfield, was uninjured in the incident. State police have confirmed that charges are pending against the driver as the investigation continues.
This incident marks the second fatal crash in Amelia County in recent weeks, prompting local authorities to remind drivers to exercise caution and be mindful of other vehicles on the road. Virginia State Police are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash.
