Chesapeake, VA (September 22, 2025) – A tragic wrong-way collision early Sunday morning on Interstate 464 claimed the lives of three individuals, including an ambulance driver and her passenger, following a head-on crash that resulted in both vehicles catching fire.
Virginia State Police reported that the crash occurred around 2:30 AM on September 21 in the southbound lanes near Exit 2 at Military Highway. A 2024 Ford Econoline ambulance, owned by Midwest Medical of North Carolina, was traveling south when it was struck by a 2022 Lexus sedan driving the wrong way.
The force of the impact ignited a fire that engulfed both vehicles.
Skye A. Oraczewski, 22, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, was behind the wheel of the ambulance and was rushed to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with life-threatening injuries. She later died at the hospital. A 53-year-old male passenger in the ambulance, also from North Carolina, was also transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the Lexus, identified as 39-year-old Shakena Shamae Taylor-Pannell of Virginia Beach, was pronounced dead at the scene.
State police are investigating alcohol and speed as potential contributing factors to the crash. The families of all three deceased individuals have been notified. The incident remains under active investigation.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost in this horrific crash.
