Williamsburg man killed in early morning crash in New Kent

A Williamsburg man was killed during an early Dec. 30 morning accident in New Kent.

Charles E.S. Garrett, 27, died at the scene after the crash on Interstate 64 eastbound near mile marker 214 (Providence Forge).

According to the Virginia State Police report, around 5:19 a.m., a 2006 Honda Civic was traveling east on the Interstate 64 at a high rate of speed when it switched lanes from the right to the left lane. During a subsequent change back into the right lane, the car struck a 2015 Freightliner tractor trailer in the rear, causing the vehicle to be wedged under the vehicle. The driver of the tractor trailer told police he had thought he had blown a tire when he pulled over, at which point he realized he had been struck by the car.

Garrett, the driver of the Honda Civic, was not wearing a seatbelt according to Virginia State Police spokesman Sgt. Stephan Vick. The driver of the freightliner was not injured. The trailer, hauling 16,000 pounds of paper, did not spill.

The crash remains under investigation but speed is being considered a factor.