Suffolk Police Investigating Fatal Crash on Bridge Road
Suffolk, VA (September 19, 2025) — A tragic accident early Friday morning has claimed the life of 35-year-old Wayne Ripson of Portsmouth, after a collision involving a motorcycle and a work truck on Bridge Road near the I-664 southbound entrance ramp.
The Incident
At approximately 6:26 a.m., Suffolk Police officers were dispatched to the 4700 block of Bridge Road southbound following reports of a serious two-vehicle crash. According to initial investigations, Ripson was traveling southbound on his motorcycle when a work truck, traveling northbound, attempted to make a left-hand turn toward the I-664 southbound on-ramp. The two vehicles collided at the intersection.
Upon arrival, responding officers discovered both the motorcycle and its driver on fire. Police immediately extinguished the flames on both Ripson and the motorcycle. Suffolk Fire & Rescue then took over, performing life-saving measures before transporting Ripson to a nearby hospital. Tragically, despite the best efforts of first responders, he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Victim Identified
Following notification of his family, authorities identified the deceased as Wayne Ripson, 35, of Portsmouth. Loved ones and community members are mourning his sudden and heartbreaking loss.
Road Closures and Investigation
The area of Bridge Road near the crash site was shut down for nearly five hours as investigators worked the scene and crews cleared the roadway. The closure caused significant delays during the morning commute but has since been lifted, and traffic has returned to normal.
The Suffolk Police Department’s Traffic Unit is leading the investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the collision. Officials have not released further details about the work truck or its driver, pending the outcome of the ongoing inquiry.
A Community in Grief
This fatal crash has deeply affected both Ripson’s family and the greater Portsmouth and Suffolk communities. Friends and family describe Wayne as someone full of life and passion, whose sudden passing is a devastating loss. Community members are now left grappling with grief while awaiting further answers from investigators.
Moving Forward
As the investigation continues, Suffolk Police urge drivers to exercise caution, particularly along high-traffic corridors such as Bridge Road. The department has not shared additional details at this time but has promised updates as more information becomes available.
For now, the family of Wayne Ripson is in the thoughts and prayers of the community, as they mourn a life taken far too soon.
