Rufus J. Whitaker Death News – Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday morning on Interstate 95 in Greensville County. The incident took place at approximately 8:51 a.m. near the 12-mile marker on the southbound side of the highway, authorities reported. Law enforcement responded quickly to the scene after receiving reports of a serious accident involving an SUV.
According to preliminary findings from state police, the vehicle involved was a 2005 Volvo XC90. The SUV initially ran off the right side of the roadway, and in an apparent attempt to regain control, it overcorrected. This maneuver caused the vehicle to veer off the left side of the highway, where it collided with a guardrail. The impact led the SUV to overturn, ultimately coming to rest on its passenger side. The sequence of events highlights how quickly a single loss of control can escalate into a severe and deadly crash on high-speed roadways.
Tragically, the crash resulted in the death of a passenger identified as 62-year-old Rufus J. Whitaker. Whitaker was partially ejected from the vehicle during the rollover and was pronounced dead at the scene. The violent nature of the accident underscores the dangers associated with high-speed collisions and the importance of safety measures while traveling on major highways.
The driver, 54-year-old Brenda L. Bullock, also sustained serious injuries in the crash. She was transported by air ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have indicated that Bullock’s injuries are significant, and she is receiving specialized medical care to address the trauma caused by the accident. Emergency responders at the scene acted promptly to stabilize her condition and ensure she received immediate medical attention.
Virginia State Police have confirmed that the crash remains under active investigation. Officers are working to determine the precise factors that contributed to the incident, including roadway conditions, vehicle performance, and driver actions leading up to the collision. While initial reports suggest the crash was a result of the vehicle losing control and overcorrecting, investigators are continuing to gather information to confirm these details and fully understand the circumstances.
Traffic on I-95 was temporarily impacted as emergency personnel secured the scene and conducted their investigation. The closure and lane restrictions were necessary to allow first responders to work safely and for investigators to document the crash site thoroughly. Such measures are standard procedure in serious accidents to preserve evidence and ensure an accurate reconstruction of events.
The fatal accident serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in driving on high-speed highways and the potential consequences of even momentary loss of control. State police continue to emphasize safe driving practices, including maintaining proper speed, avoiding distractions, and using seatbelts, which are critical in reducing the severity of injuries in rollover and high-impact crashes.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the conditions of the roadway or other contributing factors, such as weather or mechanical issues, and the investigation is ongoing. Public updates are expected as new information becomes available, and police may request assistance from anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to aid in the investigation.
In summary, a tragic crash on I-95 southbound in Greensville County early Saturday morning claimed the life of 62-year-old passenger Rufus J. Whitaker and left driver Brenda L. Bullock seriously injured. The 2005 Volvo XC90 involved ran off the roadway, overcorrected, struck a guardrail, and overturned, coming to rest on its side. Virginia State Police continue to investigate the incident to determine contributing factors, while emergency responders provided immediate care and coordinated the scene to ensure a thorough and safe response.
