Justin Michael Johnson, 37, of Chesterfield County, Virginia, was killed Tuesday night after the GMC Sierra he was driving crashed into the back of a stopped truck on Interstate 95. The collision happened around 10:15 p.m. on November 3, on southbound I-95 just south of the Route 288 interchange in Chesterfield County.
Johnson was driving a 2015 GMC Sierra when he approached a 2012 International 4400 truck stopped in the right lane. The truck had pulled over behind a disabled 2015 Chrysler 200, whose driver had encountered trouble on the highway.
According to Virginia State Police, the driver of the International truck had stopped to check on the stranded motorist and report the traffic hazard to authorities. The truck’s emergency warning lights were activated when Johnson’s GMC approached and struck its rear.
The impact proved fatal for Johnson. He died at the scene, despite the emergency response to the crash. Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding his final moments.
The two other drivers involved in the incident survived without injuries. Police identified the International truck driver as Daniel Steven Mobley, 36, of Hopewell, Virginia. The Chrysler driver was identified as Theresa Mae Steed, 69, of South Chesterfield, Virginia.
A Virginia State Police trooper had already been dispatched to the area following a report of a disabled vehicle creating a traffic hazard. However, the collision happened before the trooper arrived.
The crash left investigators with several questions about how the collision happened. Police have not identified any additional contributing factors, including whether speed, impairment or another circumstance played a role.
Virginia State Police are continuing to investigate the fatal collision. No further details about possible charges or other findings have been released.
Johnson’s death occurred along one of the busiest highway corridors in the Richmond metropolitan area. The crash site was on southbound Interstate 95, shortly beyond the Route 288 interchange in Chesterfield County. The precise point of impact has not been publicly identified.