April 17, 2025

Truck driver's life cut short by falling tree in Virginia tragedy

Steve Smith

Truck driver's life cut short by falling tree in Virginia tragedy

On April 16th, a tragic accident occurred on I-64 in Goochland, Virginia, when a large tree fell onto a moving semi-truck.

What happened: The incident took place around 3:30 p.m. while the tractor-trailer was traveling eastbound. A tree came crashing down, hitting the truck and causing it to veer off the road.

The driver, identified as 51-year-old Frank James Porter-Loftin, was killed on impact.
Debris from the crash caused a second vehicle to collide, leading to another crash involving a third driver.

Current situation: The right travel lane remains closed as crews work to clear the scene. Traffic is being diverted at Exit 167.

The Virginia State Police continue to investigate the cause of the tree fall, with no foul weather reported in the area, according to 12 On Your Side.

The incident, while still under investigation, highlights the unforeseen dangers that truck drivers may encounter on the road.

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