21 year old Painter man dies in Friday morning crash

A 21-year-old man from Painter died early Friday morning in a single-vehicle crash on Bayside Road. According to the Virginia State Police, speed and the lack of a seatbelt are believed to have been contributing factors in the fatal accident.

State police were called to the scene at 5:55 a.m., where a preliminary investigation revealed that Gavin Lewis Hopkins lost control of his vehicle while traveling on Bayside Road, between Franktown Road and Rodgers Drive. The vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a tree. Hopkins died upon impact.

Authorities noted that it is currently unknown if alcohol played a role in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

Virginia State Police remind all drivers of the importance of obeying speed limits and wearing seatbelts to prevent tragedies like this. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.