WISE COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — A single-vehicle crash on Route 630 (South Mountain Road) Friday killed an 8-year-old passenger and injured a 16-year-old driver.
A release from Virginia State Police (VSP) revealed that a 2015 Hyundai Veloster had been traveling east near Route 869 (Haddonfield Road) when it ran off the side of the road and hit a tree before bursting into flames.
First responders arrived at the scene at 5:26 p.m. and transported the driver and passenger, both from Pound, to the hospital. The 16-year-old received minor injuries in the crash. The 8-year-old boy died of his injuries at the Dickenson Community Hospital.
Both had been wearing a seatbelt.
Wise County Public Schools Director of Schools Gregory Mullins confirmed the boy killed was Trey James, a student at Wise Primary School.
“It has been a very difficult couple of days for our entire county,” Mullins said in a statement to News Channel 11. “There are no words that can console the sense of sorrow we feel by this unspeakable tragedy. This precious child was loved deeply by the Wise County Public Schools community.”
In a post by the Wise County Primary School Family Engagement page, Trey James was described as a second-grader with a “beautiful smile, outgoing personality and positive attitude.” The school launched donation options for those who are able to help the family.
According to the post, community members can drop off cash or a check made out to Greg or Dianna James during regular school hours from May 16 until Friday, May 20. The school is located at 323 Railroad Avenue, SE.
All proceeds will go directly to the family.
Counseling and crisis resources are available as the school community mourns the loss of a student, classmate and friend. The news, written by Principal Susan Mullins, listed school counselors, Mrs. Mason and Mrs. Bevins along with Ms. Masters, the school’s Family Engagement Coordinator.
VSP continues to investigate the crash.
