May 27, 2023, News Release

Virginia State Police is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash in Orange County. The crash occurred Tuesday (May 16), at 2:11 p.m. along Route 522 (Zachary Taylor Hwy) just north of Route 701 (Transco Rd).

A 2019 GMC Yukon was traveling north on Route 522 when it crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a southbound 2021 Freightliner tractor-trailer.

The driver of the GMC, John J. O’Donnell Jr., 68, of Locust Grove, VA, died at the scene of the crash due to his injuries. He was wearing a seatbelt.

The driver of the Freightliner, a 31-year-old male of North Chesterfield, VA, suffered minor injuries in the crash and was transported to Mary Washington Hospital for treatment. He was wearing a seatbelt.

The crash caused Route 522 to be shut down for approximately 10 hours. VDOT assisted with the roadway closure and detour.

The crash remains under investigation.