A two vehicle crash in Patrick County resulted in the death of a local teen and the school division is reaching out to students who may need help coping.
The crash occurred on Wednesday, June 24, at 9:45 p.m. on Virginia 57, two tenths of a mile east of Virginia 844 in Patrick County, according to a release from the Virginia State Police.
A 2000 Chevrolet Lumina was traveling east on Virginia 57, when the vehicle came upon a 1996 Honda dirt bike which was also traveling east on Virginia 57. The Chevrolet swerved to the left to avoid the motorcycle at the same time the motorcycle swerved to the left to avoid the Chevrolet. The motorcycle was struck from the rear, according to the release, and the driver was ejected.
The driver of the Chevrolet was not injured or identified in the release.
The driver of the Honda was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene.
He was identified as Darren Leland Michaud, 17, of Stuart.
Michaud was a rising senior at Patrick County High School (PCHS), and learned to play almost every instrument in the Band Room, according to his obituary.
“We lost a PCHS student to a terrible accident,” Trey Cox, principal, said. “If you or someone you know need help,” it is available, Cox wrote, adding that counselors and support staff will be available at school if you need to speak with someone, and resources also are posted on the school’s website.
“While we desperately wish we were together to help each other through this tragedy, we know there is still power in numbers through love, prayer, and support. Our community remains unified as a family and we will move forward remembering this young person and the family,” Cox said. “We do not have the words to ease all the pain that resonates in our families and community, but we do know that we will get through this together.”
The crash remains under investigation by Virginia State Police Trooper M.S. Zola.
