Staunton, VA : James A.L. Wheeler, 23, died in a crash on Howardsville Road in Greenville early Monday morning, August 1, 2016

Virginia State Police said a Staunton man was killed early Monday morning in a crash on Howardsville Road in Greenville.

James A.L. Wheeler, 23, died at the scene.

Police said Wheeler was headed east on Howardsville Road shortly before 2 a.m. in a 2004 Saturn VUE when his vehicle left the road and struck a tree. The car overturned and Wheeler was ejected, according to a report. The wreck took place near Springlea Drive.

Wheeler was not wearing a seatbelt.

According to Chief Kevin Wilkes, Wheeler was an active member of the Swoope Volunteer Fire Company,

"His Uncle (Nelson Mace) is an active life member who has served as our president as well as in operational officer positions, and his grandparents live next door to the fire station, so his family has been involved pretty much since Swoope Fire Company has been at its current location," Wilkes said in an email. "In addition, his father, Jimmy, and his Uncle, Charlie, (Wheeler) are both former members."

Wilkes said while the crash was being investigated by police, Wheeler's fire company ID was found and the fire company was notified.

"As tragic as this is for us, I am thankful that it wasn't our members that had to answer this call and then discover their brother in his condition," he said.

Wilkes said he eventually responded to the scene once it was cleared. "I needed to see it, to be there, to try to find some answers for my members — his brothers and sisters at the fire station," he said.

Wilkes said Wheeler also was employed by the Charlie O'Baugh dealerships on U.S. 11.

Source :
Staunton man killed in crash