Phillip Andrew McBride Obituary, Death – Authorities in Henrico County have identified the pedestrian who lost his life in a tragic tractor-trailer crash earlier this week. Police confirmed that the victim was 37-year-old Phillip Andrew McBride, a sign spinner who was struck and killed on Thursday morning when a tractor-trailer overturned and pinned him.
The deadly accident happened just before 11:45 a.m. on September 4 at the busy intersection of Williamsburg Road and South Laburnum Avenue. Henrico County Police officers and emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving multiple reports of a serious collision involving two large vehicles and a pedestrian.
According to investigators, McBride was near the intersection when disaster struck. A tractor-trailer, hauling a heavy concrete slab, collided with a smaller straight-truck carrying propane. The impact caused the tractor-trailer to flip onto its side. Tragically, the massive vehicle came down on McBride, pinning him underneath. Despite immediate emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the tractor-trailer sustained life-threatening injuries during the crash. Authorities transported him to a nearby hospital, but as of Friday, police confirmed he had been released following treatment. The driver of the propane truck was not reported to be injured, and no other people at the scene suffered harm.
A preliminary investigation has revealed what may have led to the fatal chain of events. According to Henrico Police, early findings suggest that the tractor-trailer driver ran a red light while traveling east on Williamsburg Road. At the same moment, the smaller propane truck was moving through the intersection with a green light on South Laburnum Avenue. The propane truck struck the tractor-trailer, causing it to topple onto its side.
The enormous weight of the tractor-trailer and the load it was carrying contributed to the devastating outcome. The collision not only caused the tractor-trailer to overturn but also directly led to McBride’s death as he was caught in the wrong place at the worst possible time.
For those who knew McBride, the incident is particularly heartbreaking. At 37, he was remembered as a hardworking and visible presence in the community. Known for his role as a sign spinner, McBride was someone many locals recognized and saw often along Henrico’s roadways. His sudden and tragic passing has left family, friends, and community members in mourning.
The crash forced temporary traffic closures in the area as police investigated and crews worked to clear the wreckage. Williamsburg Road and South Laburnum Avenue, both heavily traveled routes, were snarled for hours while authorities reconstructed the scene and ensured the area was safe.
Henrico Police have confirmed that their investigation remains ongoing. They are carefully reviewing witness statements, traffic light data, and vehicle conditions to determine whether charges may be filed. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is urged to contact Crash Investigator C. Bolinger at 804-501-5000.
In summary, Phillip Andrew McBride, 37, died Thursday morning when a tractor-trailer ran a red light in Henrico County, overturned during a collision with another truck, and pinned him at the intersection of Williamsburg Road and South Laburnum Avenue. Police continue to investigate the fatal crash.
