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Frederick County, VA (January 26, 2026) – A major snowstorm that swept through the region early Sunday morning contributed to a series of traffic incidents in Frederick County, including a tragic accident that claimed the life of a local man.
The fatal collision occurred shortly after 1:20 a.m. in the 1300 block of US-522 (Front Royal Pike). Authorities reported that a 2019 Honda traveling northbound struck the rear of a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) subcontractor’s heavy-duty snow removal truck. The vehicle impacted the truck’s salt-spreading equipment, resulting in significant front-end damage to the Honda.
Frederick County emergency crews acted quickly to contain a fire that ignited following the impact and worked to extract the driver, who had been trapped inside. Despite their efforts, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. He was later identified as 40-year-old Demetrius Weeden of Lake Frederick. Officials confirmed that he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was the only occupant of the vehicle.
Capt. Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office noted that speed, combined with hazardous road conditions from the winter storm, were contributing factors in the collision. No injuries were reported to the driver of the VDOT truck, and authorities are not pursuing charges.
Between 1 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Sunday, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office responded to a total of 11 accidents, including three involving vehicle damage and eight involving disabled vehicles. Statewide, Virginia State Police handled 240 crashes by late Sunday morning, with 16 resulting in injuries. Local and state officials continue to urge drivers to avoid unnecessary travel and allow road crews the space and time to perform snow removal and emergency response duties.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Weeden during this heartbreaking time.
