Jesse W. Rone, Nathalie, Va. Obituary, Death – Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal collision that occurred on Wednesday, November 19, leaving one person dead and two others hospitalized with serious injuries. The crash happened shortly after 6 p.m. at the intersection of Chatham Road and Beulah Road, a junction where traffic control differs between the two routes.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded when a 2002 GMC Yukon was traveling west along Chatham Road. As the SUV approached the crossroads, a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria entered the intersection from Beulah Road. Police noted that Beulah Road is marked with a stop sign, while Chatham Road is not, meaning the Crown Victoria was required to yield before entering the main roadway. Investigators say the driver of the Yukon had little time to react and was unable to avoid colliding with the Crown Victoria.
The impact proved fatal for the Crown Victoria’s driver, identified as 87-year-old Jesse W. Rone of Nathalie, Virginia. State Police confirmed that Rone had been wearing his seatbelt at the time. Emergency personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene after assessing his condition.
A woman who was riding as a passenger in the Ford also sustained severe injuries in the crash. She was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Like the driver, she had her seatbelt fastened, according to police reports.
The driver of the GMC Yukon was likewise seriously injured. First responders transported him to a hospital for medical care. Authorities confirmed that he, too, had been properly restrained when the collision occurred. The identities of the passenger and the Yukon driver have not yet been released, and no updates regarding their conditions have been provided.
Investigators are now working to piece together exactly what led to the crash. As part of their inquiry, State Police will review evidence from the scene, including vehicle damage patterns, skid marks, witness statements, and any potential environmental factors such as lighting or roadway conditions. While early information indicates that the Crown Victoria entered the intersection from a stop-controlled road, officials have not concluded why the vehicle proceeded when cross-traffic was approaching.
Crashes at intersections with differing levels of traffic control are not uncommon, especially in rural areas where visibility may be limited and drivers may misjudge gaps in traffic. State Police have not yet said whether speed, distraction, or any form of impairment played a role in the incident. That determination will come as the investigation progresses.
In the aftermath of the crash, the roadway was partially closed while troopers documented the scene. Emergency medical crews worked quickly to stabilize the injured occupants, and tow trucks were later brought in to remove the heavily damaged vehicles. The intersection was fully reopened once officers completed their preliminary examination.
Community members familiar with the area know that Chatham Road sees steady traffic, while Beulah Road carries lighter local travel. Despite the stop sign on Beulah Road, some motorists have previously noted that the intersection can be challenging to navigate, particularly during evening hours when visibility declines. However, police have not indicated whether lighting or road layout contributed to this incident.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact Virginia State Police. Findings from the investigation will help determine whether any citations or additional actions are warranted.
For now, officials are focused on uncovering the circumstances leading up to the tragic outcome, which claimed the life of Jesse W. Rone and left two others with significant injuries. Authorities will release further details once the inquiry is complete.
