CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — A deadly crash late Friday night has taken the life of a 19-year-old man in Chesterfield County, leaving a community in mourning. Virginia State Police have identified the victim as David William Stanley, who died after a single-vehicle accident on Route 288 near the Chester Road area. The crash happened around 10:41 p.m. on May 30, 2025.
According to investigators, Stanley was driving a 2024 Ford F-150 pickup truck heading south when, for reasons still under investigation, he lost control of the vehicle. The truck veered off the left side of the highway near a bridge, crossed over a slope, and crashed into an embankment just past a set of railroad tracks. The impact caused significant damage to the vehicle.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene following calls about the crash. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, Stanley was pronounced dead at the scene. He was the only person in the vehicle, and no other cars were involved in the accident. The location of the crash, tucked beyond the tracks and embankment, may have complicated rescue and recovery efforts.
State police are still working to determine what caused the crash. They have not said whether speed, road conditions, mechanical problems, or other factors played a role. Toxicology tests and a detailed crash reconstruction are part of the ongoing investigation. Officials say it may take time before all results and conclusions are available.
Following the crash, police shut down a portion of Route 288 to investigate and remove the wrecked vehicle. The closure caused delays late Friday night and into early Saturday morning, but the roadway has since been reopened to traffic. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or saw the vehicle before the incident to contact Virginia State Police.
The loss of such a young life has deeply affected those who knew David Stanley. Friends and family describe him as a vibrant and kind-hearted young man. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. As summer travel increases, police are reminding all drivers—especially young ones—to stay alert, drive safely, and avoid distractions behind the wheel.