The Virginia State Police responded to an accident at approximately 2:45 AM on Christmas, at the 23000
A 17 yr old juvenile passenger identified as Trevonne Avant Stith was confirmed deceased on scene.
A 2003 Saturn VUE, driven by Calvin E. Berrryhill Jr., was traveling northbound on Lankford Highway when the vehicle ran off the roadway, overturned and struck several trees.
Three other juveniles and Stith’s mother were also in the vehicle at the time. The juveniles were able to get out of the vehicle after the crash, and run to a nearby home to get help, state police said.
After the accident, all three juveniles were taken by EMS to
The driver, Calvin E. Berryhill Jr., 40 YOA, of Exmore, was arrested for driving under the influence, manslaughter, and misdemeanor endangerment/neglect.
Charles McWilliams says
Given, Calvin Berryhill was driving under the influence; the group had stopped prior, at the Royal Farms south of the crash site.
WHY DIDN’T THE OTHER ADULT in the vehicle, the mother of the deceased, put her foot down, and take the keys from Berryhill?
With society’s in your face media attention to the illegality of DUI and the moral equivalency of taking an innocent life. This remains a far too often, tragically replicated scenario, there is zero excuse for.
One, there’s no walking back from – in life.
Thankfully none of the juveniles sustained incapacitating lifetime injuries. Though legally, one would assert, the failed responsibility of action, subsequently fell on the surviving adult. For not taking the keys away or refusing to get back into the vehicle with the juveniles.
Perhaps, a lesson learned.
Toni Schmidt says
Great job playing arm chair jury and judge. You weren’t there and don’t know the circumstances. I hope publicly belittling a mother during the worst time in life makes you feel good about yourself.
Charles McWilliams says
That was an extremely preventable tragedy. Recognizing when not to go for a ride with or taking the keys away from would have prevented the loss. A message which needs distribution, for these incidents are far too common.
Blue Hoss says
Check the cell phone records….
Jack Trump says
At a time like this, I believe that if you have nothing nice to say, then listen to grandma and don’t say anything at all.
Please, Kindness needs to be the only thing a family hears in the midst of such a tragedy.
Public statements ridiculing anyone involved, are, I believe, terribly cruel, no matter what the criticism is.
My sincere condolences to the families affected by this accident.
Slide Easy says
I doubt very seriously if they read this outlet.