Jacob Scott Southers Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identity of the man killed in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 295 in Henrico County earlier this week. The driver, identified as 54-year-old Jacob Scott Southers of Colonial Heights, lost his life after his truck overturned following a tire blowout, according to officials.
The Henrico County Police Division confirmed Southers’ identity on Thursday, September 25, one day after the tragic incident. Reports indicate that Southers was the only occupant inside the pickup truck when the crash occurred, and investigators noted that he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
Virginia State Police said troopers were called to the southbound lanes of I-295 near Portugues Road just before 1:40 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24. When officers arrived, they found the truck had veered off the roadway after the tire suddenly gave way. The loss of control caused the vehicle to overturn, crash through a guardrail, and ultimately come to rest on a set of railroad tracks below the interstate.
Emergency personnel attempted to assist, but Southers was pronounced dead at the scene. Police emphasized that no other vehicles were involved in the wreck.
According to investigators, the sequence of events began when one of the truck’s tires failed, a situation that can cause immediate instability, particularly at highway speeds. The sudden blowout left Southers unable to keep the vehicle steady, leading to the chain of events that ended in the fatal crash. Authorities noted that the lack of seat belt use may have contributed to the severity of the outcome.
Officials say the crash underscores the dangers of tire blowouts, which can be unpredictable and devastating. Drivers are encouraged to routinely check their tires for wear, maintain proper air pressure, and ensure that replacements are made when tread becomes too thin. A damaged or under-inflated tire can make vehicles vulnerable to sudden failure, especially during long highway travel.
The incident also highlights the life-saving importance of seat belt use. Law enforcement frequently reminds drivers and passengers that wearing a seat belt is one of the most effective ways to reduce serious injury or death during a crash. In this case, investigators could not say with certainty whether seat belt use would have changed the outcome, but the absence of one added another risk factor to an already deadly situation.
Southers’ death has left family, friends, and the Colonial Heights community in shock. Neighbors described him as a hardworking man, and while details about his personal life were not immediately made public, news of his passing has been met with sympathy and condolences across social circles.
Virginia State Police have confirmed that the investigation remains active. They are examining the condition of the truck and its tires to better understand what led to the blowout and subsequent loss of control. Mechanical inspections are common in such cases, as authorities aim to rule out other contributing factors such as roadway conditions or pre-existing mechanical issues.
Meanwhile, the southbound section of I-295 near Portugues Road was temporarily closed following the crash. Crews worked for several hours to clear the wreckage and ensure the safety of both the interstate and the railroad tracks below. The closure led to traffic delays in the area, but all lanes were eventually reopened later in the day.
For now, police say their primary focus is completing the investigation and compiling a full report on the circumstances surrounding Southers’ death. The findings will be shared once available.
This fatal crash serves as another reminder of the fragile nature of road safety and the unpredictable dangers drivers face. Authorities stress the importance of tire maintenance, defensive driving, and consistent seat belt use, all of which can reduce risks on busy highways like I-295.
