A Wednesday afternoon ride ended in tragedy for 76-year-old Jon W. Persons after his motorcycle collided with a vehicle at an intersection in James City County, Virginia. Persons was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries, but doctors were unable to save his life. He died on November 4, leaving behind a loss that his family and loved ones will have to face.
The crash happened at approximately 1:43 p.m. at the intersection of Centerville Road and Jolly Pond Road. According to the James City County Police Department, Persons was riding along the 6000 block of Centerville Road when a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction turned toward Jolly Pond Road.
During the turn, the vehicle crossed into the motorcycle’s path. The two collided, leaving Persons with injuries serious enough to require emergency medical attention.
Emergency responders transported the 76-year-old to a local hospital, where medical personnel treated him. Despite their efforts, he later died from the injuries he suffered in the collision.
Police identified the driver of the other vehicle as 20-year-old Dev’ion N. Williams, who lives in the 100 block of Lafayette Boulevard. Following an investigation, the James City County Police Department’s Crash Team charged Williams with reckless driving.
The circumstances surrounding the collision have drawn attention to the danger of turning across the path of approaching motorcycles. A vehicle making a turn must account for oncoming traffic, including motorcycles that may be less visible than larger vehicles.
For Persons, however, the afternoon ended in a way no one could have expected. He was 76 years old, and the crash took place during what would otherwise have been an ordinary day. His death leaves a painful reminder of how quickly a routine trip can turn into a life-changing tragedy.
Jon W. Persons died on November 4, 2026, from injuries sustained in the crash. His name and the circumstances of his death now remain part of a tragic collision that began at the intersection of Centerville Road and Jolly Pond Road.