Police chief killed on Route 58 in southern Virginia

BRODNAX, Va. — A police chief was struck by vehicle and killed near South Hill Friday night.

Brodnax Police Chief Joe Carey, 66, had pulled off to the right side of the road on Route 58, in the 200 block of Piney Pond Road, to recover the remains of an animal that had been struck in the roadway.

As Carey was returning to the side of the highway, an eastbound Ford F-150 pickup truck struck Carey, according to a press release from the Virginia State Police. Carey’s vehicle lights were activated while it was parked on the side of the highway, state police said.

Carey was transported to Community Memorial Hospital in South Hill where he succumbed to his injuries.

Brodnax is Mecklenburg County, about 100 miles southwest of the Hampton Roads area.

“Highly regarded for his public safety professionalism and experience, Joe was a genuine friend to so many of us,” wrote Brodnax Mayor Don Dugger in a statement. “He truly loved his job and worked hard to make a difference while protecting and serving our town.”

Carey is survived by his wife, four sons, a daughter, and several grandchildren.

The adult male driver of the pickup truck was not injured, and alcohol was not a factor in the crash, according to police.

Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com