HAMPTON, Va. — State troopers said a man died at the hospital Wednesday after a woman who was driving more than 100 mph on Interstate 64 hit his pickup truck, pushing it off the roadway, and into a truck.
Sgt. Michelle Anaya with Virginia State Police said the crash happened shortly before 9:30 a.m. on the eastbound side of the interstate near the Hampton Roads center Parkway overpass.
Anaya said Zariah Leanna Darden, 21, of the 3800 block of Roads View Ave. in Hampton was trying to change lanes around other vehicles when she hit the truck being driven by Brandon Scott Chandler, 36, of Williamsburg.
Darden's car spun out several times before it hit the Jersey wall. Anaya said Darden started running down the interstate in an attempt to get away. Troopers stopped her.
Chandler died at Riverside Regional Medical Center from his injuries.
His family tells us he was an amazing husband and father to two girls. They say he was a hard-working man, who loved his country. He was just four years away from retiring from the United States Air Force.
They said the tragedy will forever be in their hearts and they want answers.
“What was the hurry, was it worth it?" asked Aaron Thornburg, Chandler's cousin. "Because not only did you ruin your life but you took a father, a brother a husband in a traumatic way - it is just hard to accept.”
Zariah Darden faces charges for the following:
- DWI (1st offense)
- Hit and run (Felony)
- Possession of marijuana
- No insurance
- Expired registration
Anaya said more charges could come after troopers consult with the Hampton Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.
Darden was in the Hampton Correctional Facility Wednesday night. She was not given bond.
