Police Identified Victim in September Newport News Crash
State police identified 60-year-old Clayton Fitchett as the victim killed in a September 19 highway collision.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Accidents
Virginia State Police have identified Clayton Fitchett as the victim who died during a collision on I-64 in Newport News on September 19. Authorities have also filed criminal charges against a driver involved in the initial crash sequence.
Why it matters
The identification follows a multi-vehicle incident that involved both a police vehicle and a pedestrian safety worker. Authorities are continuing to investigate the sequence of events that led to the fatal outcome.
Wanagi Gordon, 44, faces charges of reckless driving and driving with a suspended license. Police are seeking information regarding the hit-and-run driver, and tips can be reported to 804-750-8788.
The players
Clayton Fitchett
He was the 60-year-old victim who lost his life in the September 19 collision.
Virginia State Police
This law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating the multi-vehicle crash on I-64.
Wanagi Gordon
The 44-year-old driver was charged with reckless driving and driving with a suspended license following the crash.
The details
The crash occurred early on September 19 near the Jefferson Avenue overpass when a Kia Sorento struck a state police vehicle from behind. A separate safety patrol worker was also struck at the scene by an orange Dodge Charger that fled the location.
Timeline
The crash occurred early on September 19, 2026.
Police issued the formal identification of the victim on October 10, 2026.
Legal Context
This incident follows ongoing efforts by state authorities to enforce road safety laws near emergency scenes. These legal trends focus on reducing secondary crashes by emphasizing driver responsibility in work zones and near stopped law enforcement vehicles.
Drivers in Newport News should remain alert near the Jefferson Avenue overpass and maintain awareness of emergency or safety vehicles on highway shoulders. Anyone who witnessed the driver of the orange Dodge Charger is encouraged to contact authorities to aid the investigation.
The takeaway
Drivers are reminded that highway safety requires full attention to avoid collisions with stationary vehicles. Adhering to speed limits and move-over laws remains the most effective way to prevent tragedies on high-traffic roads.
Further reading
For more information on local road safety, see Accidents.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Virginian-Pilot.
