WIGHT COUNTY, Va. – Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal crash that claimed the life of 63-year-old James Norman Porter III of Smithfield, Virginia, on Saturday morning, September 27, 2025.
The crash occurred at 8:33 a.m. at the intersection of Benns Church Boulevard and South Church Street. According to investigators, Porter was driving a 2022 Honda Pilot eastbound on Benns Church Boulevard when he attempted to make a left turn. His vehicle entered the path of a westbound 2024 Freightliner tractor-trailer, resulting in a serious collision.
Porter sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Riverside Regional Hospital, where he later passed away. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.
Authorities stated that neither speed nor alcohol were contributing factors in the crash. The Virginia State Police continue to investigate.