POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. — The Powhatan community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Chance Tevin Burrell, 27, who tragically died after being struck by a vehicle on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
According to the Virginia State Police (VSP), troopers responded to a crash on Dorset Road, just south of Genito Road, shortly after 12:05 a.m. Investigators say Burrell was standing in the roadway when a vehicle traveling along the stretch struck him. Despite immediate emergency medical response, Burrell was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle stopped immediately and remained on the scene, fully cooperating with investigators. Authorities have not filed charges at this time, and the case remains under active investigation as police continue to gather details about the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
A Life Remembered
Burrell was well-known in Powhatan County as someone who carried a bright spirit and a kind heart. Friends describe him as a young man with limitless potential, whose energy and warmth touched everyone he encountered.
“Chance was one of those people who lit up every room he walked into,” a longtime friend shared. “He cared deeply for people, and he always had a way of making you smile, no matter what kind of day you were having.”
His untimely passing has left family, friends, and neighbors in shock, sparking an outpouring of condolences and memories across social media. Many in the community have spoken of his generosity, his optimism, and the deep love he carried for those closest to him.
Community in Mourning
The tragedy has also drawn attention to safety concerns on rural Virginia roads, particularly during the nighttime hours when visibility is poor and the risk of pedestrian-related accidents increases. Dorset Road, where the crash occurred, is a two-lane rural roadway with limited lighting.
Local leaders and residents alike have emphasized the importance of continued awareness and safe driving practices to help prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
“Any loss of life on our roads is a reminder that safety must always come first — for drivers and pedestrians alike,” one community member remarked.
Support for the Family
As the Burrell family begins to navigate this unimaginable loss, the Powhatan community has rallied around them. Neighbors, friends, and extended relatives have offered support, meals, and prayers in the wake of the tragedy.
Funeral arrangements and memorial services for Chance Burrell have not yet been formally announced, but many in the county have already pledged to come together to honor his memory and celebrate the life he lived.
A Lasting Legacy
While Chance Burrell’s life was cut short far too soon, those who knew him say his legacy will endure in the countless lives he touched. His memory will be carried forward not only by his family but by the wider Powhatan community, which continues to grieve the loss of one of its own.
As the investigation continues, residents are left reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of community, compassion, and care for one another.