SHENANDOAH COUNTY, VA — Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred early Sunday morning on Interstate 81, leaving one man dead and two others injured. The collision happened at approximately 2:57 a.m. on June 9 near the 284-mile marker in Shenandoah County.
According to a press release from state police, the crash involved a southbound Ford F-150 pickup truck and a Toyota RAV4 SUV. Investigators say the pickup attempted to pass the SUV by driving onto the right shoulder of the highway. During the risky maneuver, the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to strike the SUV and overturn. The impact resulted in a chaotic scene that shut down the roadway for hours as emergency crews responded.
The driver of the Ford F-150, identified as 43-year-old Jose O. Torres of Broadway, Virginia, was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. He died at the scene from his injuries. Authorities noted that his failure to wear a seatbelt likely contributed to the severity of the outcome.
The Toyota RAV4 was being driven by a woman from San Diego, California. She and one of her three adult passengers sustained minor injuries and were transported to Shenandoah Memorial Hospital for treatment. Two other passengers in the SUV were uninjured. Virginia State Police emphasized that all four SUV occupants had been wearing seatbelts, which likely helped minimize injuries.
At this time, police have not released the names of the SUV’s occupants. The incident remains under active investigation as authorities work to determine all contributing factors. Investigators are analyzing road conditions, vehicle speeds, and other details to understand what led to the fatal crash. No charges have been filed, and authorities have not indicated whether additional action will be taken.
This tragedy highlights the dangers of unsafe passing and the life-saving importance of wearing a seatbelt. Virginia State Police continue to urge all drivers to follow traffic laws and avoid reckless maneuvers, especially during early morning hours when visibility and alertness may be compromised. The community of Broadway now mourns the loss of Jose Torres, as officials call on all motorists to make safety a priority and help prevent further tragedies on the road.
