Hunter Davis Obituary, Death – A fiery crash on Interstate 295 in Hanover County that left one man dead has now been linked to a shooting, according to Virginia State Police. Authorities have identified the victim as 27-year-old Hunter Davis of Henrico County.
The deadly incident unfolded on Tuesday evening, Sept. 23, when troopers were called to I-295 South near Pole Green Road for reports of a vehicle crash and fire. State police arrived around 6:40 p.m. to find a 2011 white Ford F-150 pickup truck engulfed in flames on the roadside, sending thick smoke billowing into the air.
According to investigators, the truck had veered off the road before crashing and catching fire. However, authorities revealed a disturbing development: the vehicle had come under gunfire before the crash occurred. It is not yet clear how many shots were fired or whether Davis, the driver, was struck prior to the accident.
Despite emergency crews’ efforts, Davis was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials confirmed that his family has been notified of his passing. No passengers were reported to have been in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
The shocking sequence of events left nearby drivers stunned. One eyewitness, who happened to pass by shortly after the crash, recorded video footage showing the pickup truck fully engulfed in flames on the shoulder of the highway. In the footage, heavy smoke could be seen rising high above the interstate as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.
The incident caused significant disruptions to traffic on I-295. All southbound lanes were initially shut down while state police conducted their investigation and emergency crews worked to clear the scene. Motorists faced hours of delays as detours were put in place. According to authorities, the highway did not fully reopen until around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Virginia State Police have not released information about possible suspects or a motive behind the gunfire. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are urging anyone with information about the shooting or who may have seen unusual activity in the area to come forward.
The case has raised concerns among Hanover County residents, as the combination of gunfire and a fiery crash on a major interstate has underscored the unpredictability and danger of highway violence. Local authorities are working with state police to gather more evidence, including reviewing traffic camera footage and seeking potential witnesses who may have seen the events leading up to the crash.
Hunter Davis’s death has left family and friends grieving. At just 27 years old, his life was cut short in a sudden and violent incident that has shocked the Henrico and Hanover communities alike. Neighbors and loved ones are expressing disbelief at the tragic circumstances, describing him as a young man whose future was abruptly stolen.
As investigators continue their search for answers, Virginia State Police have emphasized that the public’s assistance could play a critical role in solving the case. Anyone who was driving along I-295 near Pole Green Road between 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Tuesday evening is encouraged to reach out with any tips, especially if they witnessed the crash, heard gunshots, or saw another vehicle behaving suspiciously in the area.
For now, the crash remains classified as both a traffic and criminal investigation. Authorities are working to determine whether the gunfire directly caused the wreck or if other factors may have contributed. What is certain, however, is that a young man’s life has been lost in a devastating and unsettling incident that has left many questions unanswered.
