Wythe County, VA — November 30, 2024, Sarah Williams was killed and Marquerite and John Clegg were injured in a hit-and-run truck accident at 12:15 a.m. on I.H. 81.
According to authorities, three people—73-year-old Sarah Williams, 77-year-old Marquerite Clegg, and 78-year-old John Clegg—were traveling in a northbound Chrysler Town & Country minivan on Interstate Highway 81 in the vicinity of I.H. 77 when the accident took place.
The van was apparently at a stop in the right-most lane of the freeway for reasons yet to be confirmed. Officials indicate that a collision occurred between the back-end of the minivan and the front-end of a Freightliner 18-wheeler. After the impact, the Chrysler veered right before swerving left again and crossing over to the left side of the roadway where it crashed into a guardrail. The truck also went off of the road, overturning and catching on fire over the course of the wreck.
The two people who had been in the truck allegedly fled the scene on foot, failing to render aid to the other victims in the crash. They were later located by police and are apparently facing charges in connection with this accident.
Williams sustained critical injuries as a result of the crash; she was taken to an area medical facility for immediate treatment. However, she was ultimately unable to overcome the extent of her injuries, having there been declared deceased. Both Marquerite and John Clegg suffered severe injuries in the wreck, as well; they were also transported for treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When crashes like this one occur, they often leave behind more questions than answers. People may wonder how such a serious collision could have happened on a major interstate, but accidents involving large trucks often involve layers of complexity that aren’t immediately apparent.
One critical question in this case is why the minivan was stopped in the right-hand lane of the freeway. Was there a mechanical failure, a medical emergency, or some other issue that required the vehicle to stop there rather than on the shoulder? Could traffic conditions, such as congestion or an earlier crash, have played a role in why the van was stationary in an active lane of travel? Understanding this aspect is essential to determining what set the events in motion.
Equally important is what caused the truck to collide with the van. Was the truck driver paying attention to the road ahead, or were they distracted by something inside or outside the cab? Could fatigue or impairment have played a role, or did the truck have a mechanical issue like brake failure? These questions must be answered to understand the full scope of what went wrong.
The trucking company’s role in this crash must also come under scrutiny. Companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are in proper working condition and their drivers are adequately trained and qualified. Were proper maintenance checks performed on the truck? Did the company ensure the driver had sufficient rest and met all regulatory requirements? These are vital considerations when evaluating whether the company shares responsibility for what happened.
The hit-and-run element of this case adds another troubling dimension. Fleeing the scene of a serious accident not only violates the law but also deprives injured victims of potentially life-saving aid. Investigators will need to determine why the individuals in the truck chose to abandon their vehicle and whether any other factors—such as impairment—might have influenced that decision.
Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to examine every factor to ensure those impacted by the incident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.
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