Cassie N. Hutton Obituary, Death Cause – Virginia State Police are conducting an investigation into a serious crash that took place shortly after midnight on Tuesday, October 15, along U.S. Route 340 in Page County. The incident, according to an official statement from the VSP, occurred at approximately 12:41 a.m. near the intersection of Newport Road and involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
Authorities report that a 2013 Volkswagen Passat traveling southbound on Route 340 crossed over the centerline and collided with a 2012 Hyundai Elantra moving in the opposite lane. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles and prompted an immediate emergency response from local law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel.
The driver of the Hyundai Elantra has been identified as Cassie N. Hutton, a 28-year-old resident of Luray. Despite the efforts of first responders, Hutton sadly did not survive the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officials noted that she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The driver of the Volkswagen Passat, identified as Clarissa C. Sosa, 19, from Stanley, sustained serious injuries in the incident. According to investigators, Sosa was properly restrained by a seatbelt, which may have helped reduce the severity of her injuries. She was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency medical care and is expected to recover.
Authorities have stated that charges are pending as the investigation continues. Law enforcement officials are still working to determine the cause of the crash, including whether factors such as driver distraction, fatigue, road conditions, or weather may have played a role. At this stage, investigators have not released additional information regarding what led the Volkswagen to cross into the oncoming lane.
Virginia State Police accident reconstruction specialists are assisting with the investigation. Their work includes analyzing skid marks, vehicle damage, and roadway evidence to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the collision. The findings will be submitted to the Page County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office once the investigation is complete, which may help determine if any further legal action is necessary.
Local residents expressed sadness over the incident, as both individuals involved are from nearby communities in Page County. Crashes along Route 340 have been a recurring concern for local drivers due to the road’s winding stretches and limited lighting in some areas. Authorities continue to urge drivers to remain cautious, especially during late-night hours when visibility is lower.
Virginia State Police also used the opportunity to remind all motorists about the importance of wearing seatbelts at all times, regardless of travel distance or location. Safety officials emphasize that seatbelts remain one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury or death in traffic collisions.
Emergency responders from Page County Fire and Rescue and the Luray Volunteer Fire Department assisted at the scene, working to clear debris and ensure that the roadway was reopened safely for travel. Traffic in the area was temporarily diverted for several hours as crews investigated and removed the damaged vehicles.
As the investigation moves forward, authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or seen either vehicle driving before the collision to come forward with information. Witness accounts and possible dashcam footage could be valuable in helping officials understand what transpired in the moments leading up to the impact.
The Virginia State Police continue to offer condolences to the family and friends of Cassie Hutton as the community mourns her passing. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to completing a thorough investigation and ensuring that all contributing factors are properly identified.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Virginia State Police at their local office in Page County.
