Pittsylvania Co., VA (August 6, 2025) – A 17-year-old from North Carolina lost his life Monday night after a police pursuit that began in Halifax County ended in a head-on crash along Route 29 in Pittsylvania County.
The incident unfolded on the evening of August 4 around 9:21 p.m. when a Virginia State Police trooper attempted to stop a speeding Kia SUV in Halifax County. The driver, later identified as 26-year-old Alton Willie Devone Wade of Gum Spring, refused to stop and led authorities on a high-speed pursuit into Pittsylvania County.
After crossing county lines, Wade turned the Kia into the wrong direction of travel on Route 29, heading northbound in the southbound lanes. The pursuit came to an end just south of R and L Smith Lane, where the Kia collided head-on with a Ford Focus that had been traveling southbound.
The driver of the Ford Focus, a 17-year-old male from of Providence, North Carolina, died at the scene despite wearing a seatbelt. Emergency crews responded quickly but were unable to save the teenager.
Wade was seriously injured and transported by helicopter to Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Two passengers in the Kia sustained injuries described as non-life-threatening and were taken to Sovah Danville for treatment.
State Police confirmed that Wade is now facing multiple charges, including charges connected to Smith’s death. The investigation into the crash and events leading up to it remains ongoing.
We send our heartfelt condolences to the teen’s family.
Fatal Crashes in Virginia
Crashes involving fatalities leave lasting pain for families. It’s important to understand several common factors involved in such incidents:
- Following Too Closely: Tailgating is one of the most preventable causes of highway crashes. When a driver does not leave adequate distance, even a minor slowdown ahead can lead to serious consequences. High-speed collisions from behind can be deadly, especially for passengers in smaller or rear-seated positions.
- Child Passenger Safety: Even when children are properly restrained, the force of certain crashes can still prove fatal. Ensuring car seats are up-to-date, properly installed, and correctly sized for a child is essential for protection.
- Construction Zone Confusion: Even inactive construction zones often have narrowed lanes, reduced shoulders, and unpredictable traffic patterns. These conditions can make it harder for drivers to react in time to sudden changes in traffic flow.
- Chain-Reaction Collisions: When one crash causes a ripple effect of additional impacts, the results are often more severe. Each added collision can dramatically increase the potential for injury or death, especially for passengers in the initial vehicle struck.
- Driver Responsibility: Charges such as “following too closely” highlight how one moment of negligence can end lives. Staying alert and respecting road conditions can prevent tragic outcomes like this.
If you or a loved one was involved in a crash like this, our Hampton fatal accident attorneys are here to help. It is essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after any serious accident. A lawyer can secure evidence, manage communication with insurance companies, and help protect your rights. Time is critical after a crash, especially in cases involving injuries or fatalities. Legal support can be a key part of the healing process, helping families move forward after such a loss.
Blaszkow Legal, PLLC offers compassionate legal guidance in tragic circumstances like this. Call our team at 703-879-5910 for a free consultation. We understand how life-changing an accident can be, and we’re here to listen and assist you every step of the way. Our firm has the experience to handle complex crash cases and seek justice for victims and their families. Let us review your case and discuss your legal options today. We fight for your rights and won’t back down when it comes to protecting your interests. Your story matters, and we’re ready to help you tell it.
Note: When creating these blog posts, our team of writers utilizes external sources, including local and state news sources, social media platforms, police accident incident reports, state police accident reports, and at times, eyewitness accounts. Please contact us immediately if you discover any incorrect information so that we can update the post with the most current, accurate information available.
Disclaimer: This post is not a business solicitation, and none of the information provided in this blog post should be interpreted as medical or legal advice. If you have been injured in an accident, seek immediate medical attention. This post’s featured image was not captured at the actual accident scene.