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RIDGEWAY, Henry County, VA, Sept. 24, 2026 — A pedestrian died Wednesday evening, September 23, after being struck by a vehicle on Morgan Ford Road in Henry County, Virginia State Police said.
The crash happened around 6:22 p.m. east of Old Leaksville Road, according to state police. A 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling west on Morgan Ford Road when it struck a pedestrian who was walking in the roadway, investigators said.
State police identified the pedestrian as 49 year old Michelle Dawn Sellers of Stuart, Virginia. She died at the scene, according to the report.
No charges are pending as of the latest update from Virginia State Police. The crash remains under investigation.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
How Misconceptions Impacts the Outcome of Pedestrian Crashes During Nighttime
Many people assume that a pedestrian in dark clothing simply was not paying attention, or that most fatal pedestrian crashes happen because someone stepped into traffic unexpectedly. The more consistent factor across the data is not attentiveness but light. Darkness itself cuts down how quickly a driver can see and react to a person on or near the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 77 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark in 2023. That figure holds across a wide range of roadway types and speed limits, which suggests visibility, not distraction alone, plays a central role in whether a driver has enough time to stop.
This does not mean every nighttime pedestrian crash follows the same pattern, or that fault can be assumed from the hour alone. But it does mean that low light is a bigger piece of the picture than many drivers and pedestrians tend to think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a pedestrian do immediately after being hit by a car?
Call 911 or ask a bystander to call right away, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries, including internal ones, are not obvious at first. Stay as still as possible until emergency responders arrive and avoid moving unless there is danger from traffic.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In Virginia and most states, pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks once they have entered the roadway. Drivers are required to yield, but pedestrians should still make eye contact with drivers and confirm a vehicle is stopping before crossing.
How can drivers reduce the chance of hitting someone on foot?
Slowing down in low-light conditions, scanning the road edges, and avoiding distractions near intersections and unlit stretches of road all help drivers spot people sooner.
What injuries are most common in pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrians struck normally suffer broken bones, head and spinal injuries, and internal trauma. The severity typically depends on the vehicle's speed and where on the body the impact occurs.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Ridgeway, Virginia
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should stay at the scene and speak with responding officers when they arrive. Getting a prompt medical evaluation matters even for people who feel fine immediately afterward, since shock can mask pain or injury.
It also helps to request a copy of the official police report once it becomes available and to keep records of any medical visits tied to the crash. For families of someone seriously hurt or killed in a pedestrian crash, reaching out to the investigating agency directly is the clearest way to get updates as the case moves forward.
