James Bijesse Obituary, Death – Authorities in Spotsylvania County are seeking help from the public as they investigate a tragic incident in which a 61-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a vehicle late Saturday night. Deputies say the driver involved left the area before first responders arrived.
According to a statement released by the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred just before midnight on Saturday, along the 10200 block of Patriot Highway. Emergency calls came in reporting a person lying in the roadway, prompting deputies and rescue personnel to respond immediately.
When officers arrived, they found 61-year-old James Bijesse on the roadway. Deputies and emergency medical personnel attempted to provide aid, but sadly, Bijesse was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officials noted that he did not have a fixed address at the time of the incident.
Authorities confirmed that the vehicle involved in the crash was no longer at the location when deputies arrived. The driver is believed to have continued traveling after the collision, and investigators are now working to identify both the individual and the vehicle.
The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit has launched an extensive investigation to determine how the crash occurred and to locate the person responsible. Deputies are reviewing nearby surveillance cameras, gathering evidence from the scene, and speaking with potential witnesses who may have seen the vehicle or the moments leading up to the incident.
The section of Patriot Highway where the crash occurred was temporarily closed as authorities processed the scene. Traffic investigators marked and measured evidence to help reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the collision.
Sheriff’s officials have not yet released a description of the suspect’s vehicle, saying that investigators are still working to gather reliable information. However, they are urging anyone who may have been in the area late Saturday night—or who has dashcam footage from Patriot Highway near the 10200 block around that time—to come forward.
“Even the smallest piece of information can be critical to helping us solve this case,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “We want to bring closure to the victim’s family and ensure that the person involved is located and held accountable.”
The loss has drawn sympathy from community members who frequently travel the busy stretch of Patriot Highway, an area known for both vehicle and pedestrian activity. Local residents say the highway can be poorly lit in certain sections, making visibility challenging for drivers and pedestrians during nighttime hours.
Investigators have not said whether weather conditions, lighting, or other factors might have played a role in the crash. The coroner’s office will conduct further examinations as part of the ongoing investigation to determine the exact cause and timeline of events.
Law enforcement officials continue to emphasize the importance of drivers staying alert, especially at night, and of remaining at the scene of any accident involving another person. Leaving the scene of a serious collision can lead to severe legal consequences and delays in providing life-saving help to those involved.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact them directly at 540-582-7115. Tipsters may also share information anonymously through the department’s online reporting platform.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on uncovering all details of the case and locating the driver involved. They also expressed condolences to the friends and loved ones of James Bijesse, saying their top priority is ensuring that justice and accountability follow this heartbreaking event.
Further updates will be shared by the Sheriff’s Office as additional information becomes available.
