Gate City Mourns the Tragic Loss of Hunter Lane, 28, Following Devastating Accident

GATE CITY, VA — It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Gate City community mourns the passing of Hunter Lane, a beloved son, brother, friend, and neighbor. Hunter tragically lost his life following a devastating lawn mower accident earlier this week. He passed away peacefully at 7:55 p.m. at Houston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee, surrounded by the love and support of his family and closest friends. He was only 28 years old.

The news of Hunter’s passing has left the small, close-knit town of Gate City in deep mourning, as he was known not just for his hard work and kind spirit, but also for his infectious laughter, generosity, and unwavering loyalty to those he cared about.

The Accident and Immediate Response

According to preliminary reports, the accident occurred on Hunter’s family property in rural Scott County, Virginia. Hunter had been operating a riding lawn mower when, for reasons still under investigation, the mower overturned on uneven ground. Emergency services were called immediately, and paramedics arrived within minutes to provide life-saving aid.

Despite their best efforts, Hunter’s injuries proved too severe. He was rushed to Houston Valley Medical Center, where trauma teams worked tirelessly to stabilize him. However, after several hours in critical condition, surrounded by his loved ones, Hunter passed away peacefully.

Local authorities have ruled the incident a tragic accident. Investigators noted that weather conditions and terrain may have been contributing factors.

A Life Full of Promise

Hunter Lane was a 2015 graduate of Gate City High School, where he was a standout member of the school’s football team and an active participant in Future Farmers of America (FFA). After graduation, he pursued a career in skilled trades, becoming a respected welder and construction worker known for his craftsmanship, work ethic, and strong sense of responsibility.

Friends and family describe Hunter as a man of deep faith, a loyal friend, and someone who was always the first to offer help to a neighbor in need. Whether it was lending a hand on a project, coaching local youth sports, or simply offering a kind word to someone going through a hard time, Hunter left an indelible mark on those around him.

“He had the biggest heart,” said longtime friend Cole Matthews. “Hunter would do anything for anyone — no questions asked. He lived his life with kindness and humility.”

Community Reaction

News of Hunter’s passing has sent shockwaves through Gate City and the surrounding communities. Within hours of the announcement, tributes flooded social media, with friends and neighbors sharing memories, photos, and heartfelt messages.

The Lane family issued a statement through a family spokesperson, thanking the community for the outpouring of love and support during what they described as “the hardest days of our lives.”

“We are deeply grateful for the prayers, kind words, and acts of compassion shown to our family,” the statement read. “Hunter was a light in our lives, and although that light was taken from us far too soon, it will continue to shine in the hearts of everyone he touched.”

Celebration of Life and Services

Plans are currently underway for a public celebration of Hunter’s life. The Lane family has announced that visitation will take place at Gate City Funeral Home later this week, followed by a funeral service that will honor Hunter’s life, his contributions to the community, and his deep faith.

A “Celebration of Life” event is also being organized at Hunter’s beloved high school football field, where friends, family, and the community will gather to share stories, offer tributes, and release lanterns in his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the Lane family has requested that donations be made to the Gate City Volunteer Fire Department and to local youth sports programs — two causes that Hunter cared deeply about.

A Legacy That Will Endure

Though Hunter Lane’s life was tragically cut short, his impact on the Gate City community will endure for generations. He is remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the love, joy, and inspiration he shared so freely.

As Gate City mourns, the community also comes together to celebrate a young man whose spirit will never be forgotten.

“He may be gone from our sight,” said Pastor Caleb Thomas during a prayer vigil held Wednesday night, “but Hunter will never be gone from our hearts.”