Nationwide — Burlie W. Duvall III, a 33-year-old Appomattox County sheriff’s deputy, was killed while helping at a crash in Campbell County, Virginia. He was struck by a tractor-trailer after stopping with another deputy to assist at the scene.
Virginia State Police said troopers responded around 5:34 p.m. to an eight-vehicle chain-reaction crash on westbound Route 460. Duvall and another Appomattox County deputy were traveling home from the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy when they stopped to help with the initial crash.
The deputies parked their vehicles in the two left lanes and turned on their emergency equipment. As a tractor-trailer approached the scene, its driver swerved to avoid the vehicles but struck Duvall.
Duvall died at the scene from his injuries. Seven other people were taken to hospitals with injuries of varying severity, but police said none of the injuries were life-threatening. His body was taken to the medical examiner’s office in Roanoke after the crash. On Friday, Virginia law enforcement escorted his body back to Appomattox County.
Appomattox County Sheriff Robert N. Richardson said the department was mourning Duvall’s death and remembered him for his commitment to protecting the community.
“Deputy Burlie W. Duvall III dedicated his life to protecting our community, and he gave that life while serving others,” Richardson said, according to WFSB. “His courage, selflessness, and commitment to duty will never be forgotten.”
Richardson also asked the community to keep Duvall’s family and the sheriff’s office in their thoughts and prayers. “His service, dedication, and commitment to the citizens of Appomattox County will forever remain a part of the legacy of this Sheriff’s Office,” he said.