In the still hours before dawn Saturday, a tragedy unfolded in King William County that claimed the life of one man and left his community reeling. At around 4 a.m., a black Ram 1500 traveling eastbound on West River Road veered off the left side of the road, struck multiple trees, and came to rest with devastating consequences.
The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Rafael William Smith Polanco of West Point, Virginia. Investigators say he was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and was not wearing a seatbelt. Emergency responders arrived on scene and declared him dead at the site.
The Virginia State Police say the exact cause remains under investigation. Authorities closed West River Road for hours while crash reconstruction teams processed the area, gathering evidence to help explain why the truck left the roadway.
Neighbors say the stretch of West River Road is quiet at that hour, and that the darkness and isolated surroundings make it especially treacherous. Even residents accustomed to driving it admit that early-morning visibility, subtle curves, and minimal lighting can turn the road into a hazard.
State troopers are reminding drivers across Virginia of a grim but important lesson: seatbelts save lives. They emphasize extra caution during early-morning or late-night commutes, when fatigue, low lighting, and the possibility of wildlife or debris make every second of reaction time more critical.
Beyond the investigation and safety warnings, this crash leaves a grieving family, friends, and community behind. Rafael Polanco’s life will be mourned by those who knew him. In places like West Point and throughout King William County, his sudden loss is a painful reminder of just how fragile each journey can be.
As the Virginia State Police continue their work, no further details have been released. The public is asked to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve, and to remain alert behind the wheel.