ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. – A tragic motor vehicle crash that occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning has claimed the life of a Timberville man and left another seriously injured. Virginia State Police (VSP) are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision, which took place on North Valley Pike, a well-traveled thoroughfare in Rockingham County.
According to an official release from the Virginia State Police, the accident involved two vehicles: an Infiniti Q50 sedan and a Hyundai Tucson SUV. The initial findings indicate that the Infiniti Q50 was traveling northbound on North Valley Pike when it crossed the centerline into oncoming traffic. As a result, the Infiniti collided head-on with the southbound Hyundai Tucson. The force of the impact caused the Tucson to veer off the right side of the roadway.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and both drivers were transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Tragically, the driver of the Hyundai Tucson, identified as 30-year-old Damian A. Siever of Timberville, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. According to authorities, he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, a factor that may have contributed to the severity of his injuries.
The driver of the Infiniti, 28-year-old David J. Siever, also from Timberville, sustained serious injuries but survived the crash. Officials noted that he was wearing a seatbelt, which likely helped mitigate the impact of the collision for him.
While the full details of the crash are still being pieced together, VSP stated that fatigue is being considered as a potential contributing factor. Investigators have not released information indicating whether drugs, alcohol, or excessive speed played a role in the incident, but emphasized that the case remains under active investigation.
The relationship between the two drivers — who share the same last name and hometown — has not been confirmed by authorities at this time.
This devastating accident highlights once again the dangers of drowsy or fatigued driving, particularly on rural roads where traffic is sparse and long stretches of uninterrupted driving can increase the risk of losing focus or falling asleep at the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver fatigue is a significant cause of serious traffic crashes each year across the United States, especially during the early morning hours.
Virginia State Police continue to urge drivers to remain alert, wear seatbelts, and avoid getting behind the wheel when feeling drowsy. Seatbelt usage remains a critical factor in surviving serious vehicle crashes, and Sunday’s tragic event underscores the importance of buckling up — no matter the distance or familiarity with the road.
Anyone with information about the crash or who may have witnessed the collision is encouraged to contact Virginia State Police as the investigation continues.
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