Probe After I-64 James City County Passenger Death

A deadly summer weekend in Hampton Roads included an I-64 James City County passenger death when an SUV struck a tree.

We were saddened to read about the death of Axel Gabriel Quintana Cruz following a single-vehicle crash early Sunday.

Police said the crash happened on Interstate 64 East, west of Camp Peary/Route 143.

Virginia State Police said the driver of a 2001 Ford Escape lost control, ran off the road and over-corrected. The SUV rolled over onto the passenger side and hit a tree.

Cruz was 21-years old. He died at the scene. Our thoughts are with his family at this tragic time.

The driver was flown to MCV with life-threatening injuries, according to reports.

The cause of this I-64 James City County passenger death had not been confirmed Monday. Police said it was undetermined whether or not alcohol was a factor. Also over the weekend, pedestrians were killed in Chesapeake and Norfolk, we noted on our blog.

Passengers are frequently the victims of single vehicle accidents. They seldom share any blame for the wrecks.

I-64 James City County Passenger Death Highlights Risks in Single Car Crashes

In recent months and years, we have seen many passenger accidents on I-64. In June, a 75-year-old passenger from Richmond was killed on I-64 in Newport News, reported the Daily Press.

An SUV with six people inside flipped over near J Clyde Morris Boulevard stated Virginia State Police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Anaya.

Investigators believed the 2004 Chevrolet SUV was traveling eastbound on I-64 when one of its rear tires failed, causing the SUV to run off the road, hit a jersey wall and flip multiple times, Anaya said.

Two passengers, including the 75-year-old woman, were ejected from the vehicle, Anaya said. The front passenger who was also thrown out was transported by air ambulance to a local hospital. He was reported to be suffering from life-threatening injuries.

The driver in this crash was later charged with defective equipment, driving with no liability insurance, and failure to register a vehicle. Virginia State Police believe poor tire tread was a factor in the crash.

Passengers have rights if they are injured in car crashes. The family members of passengers who are killed often have standing to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.

If you have been injured as a passenger or lost a loved one, please call our Hampton roads car accident lawyers at (757) 333-3333. We have meeting locations on the Peninsula in Newport News and Hampton.