CAMPBELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA — With profound sadness, the law enforcement community, family, friends, and loved ones are mourning the tragic loss of Appomattox County Sheriff’s Deputy Burlie W. Duvall III, 33, of Concord, who was killed while assisting at the scene of a multi-vehicle crash on Route 460.
According to the Virginia State Police, troopers responded at approximately 5:34 p.m. to an eight-vehicle chain-reaction crash on westbound Route 460, approximately four-tenths of a mile west of Cabin Field Road in Campbell County.
The preliminary investigation indicates that two Appomattox County Sheriff’s deputies were traveling home after attending the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy when they stopped to assist at the scene of an earlier crash.
The deputies positioned their vehicles in the two left lanes of westbound Route 460, with their emergency equipment activated, as they worked to assist those involved in the initial collision.
As traffic approached the crash scene, a tractor-trailer attempted to maneuver around the stopped emergency vehicles. During that maneuver, the tractor-trailer struck Deputy Burlie W. Duvall III.
Despite the emergency response that followed, Deputy Duvall was pronounced deceased at the scene. His death has sent shockwaves through the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office and the broader law enforcement community.
The crash involved a total of eight vehicles and resulted in injuries to approximately seven people. Those injured were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Authorities reported that the injuries ranged in severity but were not considered life-threatening.
For the men and women who serve in law enforcement, helping others in moments of danger is part of their commitment to their communities. Deputy Duvall was assisting at a crash scene when his life was suddenly and tragically taken.
His death is a painful reminder of the dangers emergency responders face while working along busy roadways. Even when emergency lights are activated and officers are assisting motorists, crash scenes can remain unpredictable and dangerous.
Deputy Duvall’s passing has created an immeasurable loss for his family, friends, fellow deputies, and the Appomattox County community. The badge he wore represented a commitment to serving and protecting others, and his final moments were spent doing exactly that—stopping to help at the scene of a crash.
The Virginia State Police has extended its deepest condolences to the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Duvall’s family, friends, and loved ones as they face this devastating loss.
The investigation into the fatal crash remains ongoing. Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision and the events that led to Deputy Duvall’s death.
As the investigation continues, the thoughts and prayers of the community remain with Deputy Duvall’s family and everyone who knew and worked alongside him. No words can fully ease the pain of losing a loved one, colleague, and public servant in such a tragic way.
May those closest to Deputy Duvall find strength in the memories they shared with him and comfort in knowing that his service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Rest in eternal peace, Deputy Burlie W. Duvall III. Your service, courage, and sacrifice will forever be remembered. May you rest peacefully, and may your family and loved ones find strength and comfort during this incredibly difficult time.
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