Richmond, VA – 20-Year-Old Henrico Man Identified in Fatal Crash on Chippenham Parkway
RICHMOND, Va. — A devastating accident on Chippenham Parkway claimed the life of a young Henrico man early Saturday morning, August 23, 2025. The victim, identified as 20-year-old Omar Colina Leal, tragically passed away after his vehicle overturned in the northbound lanes near the Forest Hill Avenue interchange.
According to the Richmond Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 4:52 a.m. after reports of an overturned vehicle blocking the roadway. When emergency responders arrived, they discovered the wreckage and found Leal unresponsive in the roadway. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police confirmed that Leal was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle involved in the crash. Investigators have determined that speed was a contributing factor in the tragic incident. No other vehicles were involved.
In order to allow investigators and crash reconstruction teams to work safely, police temporarily closed the northbound lanes of Chippenham Parkway for several hours. The roadway was later reopened after crews cleared the scene.
The Richmond Police Department noted that the investigation remains ongoing as they continue to gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to the crash. Authorities are urging drivers to use caution and obey speed limits, stressing the dangers of excessive speed and its role in deadly accidents.
The loss of Omar Colina Leal has left family, friends, and the Henrico community heartbroken. At just 20 years old, Omar’s life was cut tragically short, leaving behind loved ones who are now grappling with the shock and sorrow of his passing. Tributes have begun to pour in on social media, with many remembering him as a kindhearted and vibrant young man whose future was filled with promise.
As the community mourns, police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact the Richmond Police Crash Team or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.
This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of how quickly life can change and highlights the importance of caution, especially during early morning hours when visibility and roadway conditions can present additional risks.
