ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, Va. — Virginia State Police are investigating a tragic single-fatality crash that occurred on Saturday morning, September 27, 2025, at approximately 8:33 a.m. at the intersection of Benns Church Boulevard and South Church Street.
According to the preliminary investigation, the collision happened when a 2022 Honda Pilot, driven by 63-year-old James Norman Porter III of Smithfield, attempted to make a left turn onto South Church Street from Benns Church Boulevard. As Porter turned, his vehicle entered the path of an oncoming 2024 Freightliner tractor-trailer traveling westbound. The impact resulted in severe damage to the Honda Pilot and left Porter with life-threatening injuries.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and Porter was rushed to Riverside Regional Hospital in Newport News. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he later succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not hurt in the incident.
Investigators have determined that neither speed nor alcohol were factors in the crash. Traffic in the area was temporarily delayed as state troopers worked to investigate and clear the roadway.
Virginia State Police confirmed that next of kin have been notified. Porter, who lived in the 600 block of Qual Street in Smithfield, is remembered by neighbors as a longtime community member.
The intersection of Benns Church Boulevard and South Church Street is a heavily traveled corridor in Isle of Wight County, connecting local neighborhoods to nearby businesses and major routes. The crash has raised renewed concerns about safety at busy junctions where turning movements often intersect with fast-moving traffic.
The investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing by the Virginia State Police Crash Reconstruction Team. Authorities have not indicated whether any charges are expected.
This incident marks another heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can change on the road. Virginia State Police continue to urge drivers to use caution at intersections, especially when making turns across lanes of traffic.
