Shakena Shamae Taylor-Pannell Obituary, Death – A deadly wrong-way crash on Interstate 464 in Chesapeake early Sunday morning claimed two lives and left another person in critical condition, according to Virginia State Police. The collision took place shortly before 2:30 a.m. near Exit 2 at Military Highway. Investigators reported that a 2024 Ford Econoline ambulance, owned by Midwest Medical of North Carolina, was traveling southbound when it was struck head-on by a 2022 Lexus sedan that was traveling in the wrong direction on the southbound lanes. The violent impact triggered a fire that engulfed both vehicles, authorities said.
Victims identified
Troopers identified the ambulance driver as 22-year-old Skye A. Oraczewski of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. She was rushed to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition. A passenger in the ambulance, a 53-year-old man also from North Carolina, was transported to the hospital but later died from injuries sustained in the crash. His name has not yet been publicly released.
The driver of the Lexus, 39-year-old Shakena Shamae Taylor-Pannell of Virginia Beach, died at the scene. State police confirmed that the families of both Taylor-Pannell and the ambulance passenger have been notified.
Circumstances of the crash
Authorities are still working to determine why the Lexus was driving the wrong way on I-464. The investigation is focusing on whether alcohol and excessive speed may have played a role in the deadly collision. Toxicology tests and crash reconstruction analysis are underway, police said.
The aftermath of the crash was devastating. Both vehicles caught fire following the head-on collision, complicating rescue efforts for first responders. Fire crews were able to extinguish the flames, but the extensive damage underscored the severity of the impact.
Ongoing investigation
Virginia State Police are continuing to gather evidence to establish the sequence of events that led to the tragedy. Wrong-way crashes are often among the most catastrophic incidents on highways, primarily because of the extreme force generated when vehicles collide head-on at high speeds. Investigators will examine roadway conditions, vehicle data, and possible impairment to determine the full picture of what happened.
Community impact and safety concerns
The crash has renewed conversations around roadway safety in Hampton Roads, where heavily traveled highways such as I-464 connect multiple cities. Wrong-way driving, though rare, frequently results in fatalities due to the limited time other drivers have to react.
For emergency responders, the incident is especially difficult given that the ambulance involved was on duty at the time. Midwest Medical, the private company that owned the vehicle, has not yet released a statement but is working with authorities as the investigation continues.
Friends and family of the victims are left grappling with an unexpected tragedy. For the Oraczewski family, the coming days remain uncertain as Skye fights for her life in critical condition. Meanwhile, relatives of the unnamed ambulance passenger and Taylor-Pannell are mourning sudden losses that came without warning in the early morning hours.
Looking forward
As investigators continue their work, state police are urging drivers to remain vigilant, avoid impaired driving, and obey speed limits. Crashes like the one on I-464 serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly a single mistake can have devastating consequences, not only for those directly involved but also for the wider community.
The Virginia State Police have confirmed that the investigation remains active. Further updates are expected as toxicology results and other findings become available.
For now, the facts are grim: two people are dead, a young ambulance driver is fighting for her life, and families across Virginia and North Carolina are facing immense grief after a fiery wrong-way collision on I-464.
