Monty D. Bishop Obituary, Death – A pedestrian who lost his life in a collision on Interstate 81 near the Virginia–Tennessee border has been identified by authorities. According to information from the Virginia State Police, the incident occurred on Friday morning, August 8, in the southbound lanes of the interstate, close to the state line between Virginia and Tennessee.
At approximately 6 a.m., a 2012 Cadillac SRX was traveling in the center lane heading south when the driver encountered a pedestrian in the roadway. Police say the driver was unable to avoid striking the individual due to their position in the active lanes of travel.
The pedestrian was identified as 40-year-old Monty D. Bishop, a resident of Kingsport, Tennessee. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but Bishop was pronounced dead where the collision occurred. The circumstances leading to Bishop’s presence on the interstate at that early hour have not yet been disclosed.
The driver of the Cadillac remained at the scene and fully cooperated with investigating officers. Authorities confirmed that the driver did not suffer any injuries during the incident. No immediate charges have been filed as the investigation is still ongoing, and police are working to determine the events that led to the fatal collision.
Virginia State Police have not released further details about why Bishop was on the interstate or whether any contributing factors, such as visibility or weather conditions, played a role. The section of Interstate 81 where the crash occurred is a major route that connects Virginia and Tennessee, and early morning traffic can include a mix of commuter vehicles and heavy trucks.
Incidents involving pedestrians on interstate highways are rare but often deadly, given the high speeds and limited reaction time drivers have when encountering someone in the roadway. Safety experts note that highways are particularly hazardous for pedestrians due to fast-moving vehicles, narrow shoulders, and limited escape routes. In most cases, pedestrians are prohibited from walking on interstates except in emergencies, such as vehicle breakdowns.
The Virginia State Police Crash Reconstruction Team is assisting in examining the scene to piece together the sequence of events. Investigators are also looking into whether any mechanical issues, driver impairment, or other external factors contributed to the crash.
Officials may also be reviewing possible surveillance or traffic camera footage from nearby areas to better understand how Bishop came to be in the lanes of travel. Until the investigation concludes, authorities are urging drivers to remain vigilant, especially during early morning or nighttime hours when visibility is reduced.
The tragic death of Monty D. Bishop underscores the dangers pedestrians face when in close proximity to interstate traffic. As the investigation continues, state police have not announced when additional information might be released. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information is encouraged to contact the Virginia State Police to assist in the ongoing investigation.
