Charles Lee Mixell Obituary, Death; Virginia man dies after pickup crashes into multiple trees, troopers report
Charles Lee Mixell Obituary, Death – A fatal single-vehicle crash in rural Sussex County, Virginia, claimed the life of a 62-year-old man Thursday afternoon. Authorities with the Virginia State Police identified the victim as Charles Lee Mixell, a resident of Fleetwood Avenue in Wakefield.
The crash occurred around 1:45 p.m. in the 9300 block of Birch Island Road, a rural stretch located approximately 55 miles south of Richmond. Preliminary findings from the investigation reveal that Mixell was driving a Dodge Dakota pickup truck northbound on Birch Island Road when the vehicle veered off the right side of the roadway for reasons yet to be determined. The truck then collided with several trees, resulting in severe damage.
Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene, but troopers confirmed that Mixell died on impact due to the force of the collision. No other vehicles were involved, and there were no reports of additional injuries.
Following the crash, authorities closed the section of Birch Island Road where the accident occurred to allow for emergency operations and an on-site investigation. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews established a detour to redirect traffic around the area while police and first responders managed the scene and cleared debris.
The Virginia State Police emphasized that the cause of the crash is still under investigation. While details such as potential contributing factors—like driver impairment, distraction, or mechanical failure—have not yet been confirmed, investigators are working to piece together the sequence of events that led to the fatal wreck.
Birch Island Road, known for its narrow lanes and wooded surroundings, has been the site of previous traffic incidents. Rural routes like this often lack shoulders or barriers, making it more challenging for drivers to recover control of their vehicles if they veer off course. Authorities have not yet said whether speed played a role in this particular crash.
Sussex County, a largely agricultural region, is about an hour’s drive from Richmond via Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 460. The community, though small, has experienced several roadway fatalities in recent years, highlighting ongoing concerns about rural traffic safety.
Friends, neighbors, and members of the Wakefield community are now mourning the loss of Mixell, who was well-known in the area. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with single-vehicle crashes, especially in rural environments where roadside hazards such as trees, ditches, or utility poles can turn a momentary loss of control into a fatal outcome.
Authorities urge drivers to remain alert, reduce speed on rural roads, and use extra caution when navigating curves or narrow stretches. While the investigation continues, Virginia State Police will release additional details as they become available, hoping to provide answers to Mixell’s family and the community in the wake of this sudden tragedy.
