John Paul Dorriety Obituary, Death – Virginia State Police have identified the teenager who tragically lost his life in a car accident on the Virginia Capital Trail on Wednesday morning. The victim, John Paul Dorriety, 19, was involved in the fatal crash at approximately 7:40 a.m. on Route 5, also known as John Tyler Memorial Highway, close to Route 623 (Wilcox Neck Road) in Charles City County.
According to officials, Dorriety was driving a 2017 Ford Fusion westbound on Route 5 when he veered off the road to the right. The vehicle struck several trees and a culvert, causing it to overturn before colliding with additional trees, ultimately landing on its roof. A spokesperson for the Virginia State Police reported that Dorriety sustained injuries from which he could not recover and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities also noted that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, which remains under investigation.
The impact of the crash was significant, knocking down trees along the 52-mile Virginia Capital Trail, a popular route for walkers and cyclists that connects Richmond to Jamestown. Following the accident, the section of the trail adjacent to the crash site was closed for several hours. This closure allowed police to conduct their investigation and for Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews to clear the wreckage and debris.
The trail reopened to the public on Wednesday afternoon, following the completion of the necessary cleanup and investigation processes. As the authorities continue their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash, the community mourns the loss of a young life and reflects on the importance of safety measures, such as wearing seatbelts, to prevent such tragedies in the future.