A 50-year-old Pulaski man lost his life Saturday morning in a violent single-vehicle collision when his car veered off Route 11, crashed into a tree, and caught fire. The shock of the crash—and the fact that he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt—has left the Pulaski community mourning and reeling.
Troopers from the Virginia State Police say the crash occurred at approximately 9:45 a.m. near the intersection of Cougar Trail Road on Route 11 in Pulaski County. The car involved was a 1999 Oldsmobile 88, heading southbound. According to the preliminary investigation, the vehicle drifted to the right side of the road; when the driver tried to correct course, he over-steered, lost control, and crossed into the median. There, it struck a tree and burst into flames.
The driver, identified as Kenneth S. Goodson of Pulaski, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Though the full investigation is ongoing, state police have not yet disclosed further details about contributing factors, such as speed, road conditions, or mechanical issues.
Local first responders described a grim scene: blackened wreckage, scorched ground, and little left of the vehicle beyond its frame. The fire efforts were swift, but the severity of impact left little chance for survival. Investigators are now sifting through physical evidence, roadway marks, and vehicle recovery data to piece together exactly what led to this fatal moment.
This tragedy hits home as a sobering reminder about the fragility of life and the critical importance of safety measures, especially seatbelt use. In many vehicle fatalities, restraint systems prove the difference between life and death. Here, the omission may have sealed a fatal outcome.
Friends and neighbours in Pulaski say Goodson was known quietly in the community, a steady presence whose absence now echoes deeply through local circles. Condolences are pouring in to his family and loved ones, with many calling for reflection, safe driving, and stricter awareness of everyday dangers on the road.
As the Virginia State Police continue their work, the crash site remains under scrutiny, and no new public statements have been issued. But for now, Kenneth Goodson’s final ride stands as a sharp warning: when we take safety for granted, the consequences may be irrevocable.