Richmond, VA – A deadly crash on James Madison Highway early Tuesday morning claimed the lives of two men and left another with serious injuries. The Virginia State Police (VSP) responded to the scene of the head-on collision just after 4 a.m. in the 4600 block of the highway, near the Louisa County line.
According to VSP investigators, 36-year-old Kenneth Justino Rowley was driving northbound on James Madison Highway when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle crossed over the double solid yellow lines and collided head-on with a southbound car. The vehicle, driven by 63-year-old Wade Lee Dickinson, was struck with significant force.
Rowley, who was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash, was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Despite efforts to save him, he later died from his injuries.
Dickinson, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene. His 21-year-old son, Kaleb Dickinson, was seated in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Kaleb Dickinson was taken to the hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
VSP continues to investigate the cause of the crash. As of now, it is unclear whether speed, impairment, or another factor may have contributed to Rowley’s vehicle crossing into oncoming traffic.
The incident has drawn attention to the importance of seatbelt use, as both drivers’ and passengers’ safety can be significantly affected by whether or not they are wearing them. The crash remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet released further details on the circumstances surrounding the collision.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of distracted or impaired driving, and the profound impact such accidents can have on families and communities.
VSP has asked anyone with information related to the crash to come forward as their investigation continues.
