Lorton, VA: 28-Year-Old Joseph Lanza Killed in Tragic Hit-and-Run; Fairfax County Police Search for Suspect Driver of Dark Sedan with Silver Hood
LORTON, VA — The Fairfax County Police Department is actively investigating a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 28-year-old Joseph Lanza of Lorton, Virginia. The crash occurred Saturday afternoon, April 12, 2025, around 4:35 p.m. in the 10000 block of Old Colchester Road — a quiet stretch of roadway that turned tragic in mere moments.
According to police, Lanza was struck by a dark-colored sedan with a silver or gray hood, possibly identified as a Honda Prelude. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene without stopping to assist the victim or alert authorities, prompting an urgent appeal for public assistance.
Emergency personnel responded quickly to the scene, but despite their efforts, Lanza was pronounced dead. His sudden and violent death has left his family, friends, and the broader Lorton community devastated.
“Joseph was a bright light in the lives of those who knew him,” said a neighbor who wished to remain unnamed. “He was kind, hard-working, and always looking out for others. The fact that someone could leave him there like that is heartbreaking.”
This incident marks the seventh fatal pedestrian-involved crash in Fairfax County this year alone — a troubling statistic that underscores a growing concern about roadway safety, particularly for those traveling on foot.
Fairfax County Police have launched a full investigation, including canvassing the area for witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses. Authorities are urging residents to be vigilant and report any sightings of a vehicle matching the description: a dark-colored sedan with a silver or gray hood — possibly a Honda Prelude, which may now show signs of damage.
Detectives from the department’s Crash Reconstruction Unit are leading the case and ask that anyone with information — no matter how minor it may seem — call the department at (703) 280-0543. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Fairfax County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or online at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org.
In a statement released late Saturday, Fairfax County police said: “We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Joseph Lanza. No one deserves to lose a loved one in this manner. We are committed to bringing the driver responsible to justice.”
A small memorial has already begun to take shape near the site of the crash — candles, flowers, and handwritten notes mark the place where Lanza’s life was taken. Friends and family have begun organizing a vigil to honor his memory in the coming days.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling not only with the loss of a young man but also with the urgent need to prevent further tragedies on its roads.