MECHANICSVILLE, Va. (WTVR)–Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that killed Mechanicsville teen Travis Simmons.
Lieutenant Christopher Whitley said that at approximately 6:15 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office responded to the 6100 block of Cold Harbor Road for a report of a single-vehicle crash.
Preliminary investigation indicated that a green 1997 Honda Civic was traveling south on Cold Harbor Road near Watt House Road when it ran off the right side of roadway and struck a tree head-on, Whitley said.
Simmons, the driver and only occupant, was transported to VCU Medical Center and pronounced dead.
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, speed appears to have been a factor, and it was determined that the deceased was not wearing a seatbelt, according to Lt. Whitley.
News of the accident spread via social media networks around 9 p.m. Wednesday night, and the outpouring reflects a teen well loved and respected in his community. Social media information indicates that Travis, age 18, was a senior at Lee Davis High School.
His last tweet was sent not long before the wreck.
A majority of his friends and schoolmates have tweeted using #RipTravis, with many wishes and deep sympathies extended to the family for the completely unexpected loss of a teen, especially on Thanksgiving.
This is a developing story. We will have updates throughout the day.
