Devin Nicole Woodland Obituary, Death – Authorities are investigating a tragic road incident that claimed the life of a 29-year-old woman in Essex County on Wednesday afternoon. The Virginia State Police reported that the two-vehicle crash occurred around 12:44 p.m. on October 8 along Kino Road, just north of Clarke Lane.
According to investigators, the crash involved a 2019 Kia Sorento traveling southbound and a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado moving northbound. Preliminary findings indicate that the Kia crossed over the double-yellow centerline and collided with the Chevrolet in a head-on impact. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene following calls about the collision.
Officials confirmed that the driver of the Kia, identified as 29-year-old Devin Nicole Woodland of Tappahannock, lost her life at the scene despite immediate assistance from first responders. The driver of the Chevrolet, 59-year-old Timothy Winn McKinley, also from Tappahannock, sustained significant injuries and was transported to a Richmond hospital via MedFlight for treatment.
Authorities have stated that the early stages of the investigation suggest that neither of the two drivers was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Law enforcement and safety officials continue to emphasize the importance of using seatbelts, which remain one of the most effective measures for reducing the risk of severe injury in traffic incidents.
Police closed off the section of Kino Road where the accident took place for several hours as investigators worked to document the scene. Traffic was rerouted while officers examined the vehicles, took photographs, and gathered witness statements. The road was later reopened once the vehicles were removed and the area was cleared.
The Virginia State Police Crash Reconstruction Team is assisting with the ongoing investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident. They are examining factors such as road conditions, vehicle mechanics, speed, and driver visibility at the time of the crash. Officials have not yet released any findings on whether weather or other environmental factors played a role.
Community members in Tappahannock have expressed sorrow following the news, describing Woodland as a kind and familiar presence in town. Many residents have shared their condolences and offered support to the families affected by the tragedy. Local authorities have also expressed sympathy for both families as they navigate this difficult period.
In the aftermath of the collision, safety advocates are once again reminding motorists about the importance of following roadway guidelines. This includes staying within designated lanes, avoiding distractions, and always wearing a seatbelt. Head-on collisions, though not as common as other types of crashes, often result in severe outcomes due to the force of impact, making defensive driving especially critical on two-lane rural roads like Kino Road.
Officials noted that both vehicles sustained heavy damage and will undergo further inspection as part of the investigation. The findings from these examinations will help determine whether mechanical failure or other contributing factors may have been involved.
Law enforcement officers continue to collect information from witnesses and nearby residents who may have seen the vehicles before the crash. The goal is to develop a full picture of the events leading up to the collision and to provide closure to the families affected.
The Virginia State Police have not yet announced when the final report will be released but confirmed that updates will be shared once all aspects of the investigation are completed.
This incident serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance at all times behind the wheel. As Essex County mourns the loss of one of its residents, the community’s thoughts remain with the family and friends of Devin Nicole Woodland, as well as with Timothy McKinley as he continues his recovery.
