A quiet community in Fauquier County woke Sunday to the devastating news that one of its own, 36-year-old Kristin L. Gheen of Sumerduck, died early Sunday morning after her car ran off Route 17 and struck a tree. The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. near Dyes Lane, and authorities confirmed she was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to Virginia State Police, Gheen was driving her 2019 Kia Forte northbound when her vehicle left the roadway on the right side and hit a tree hard. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but Gheen was already gone. Police reported that she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Friends and neighbors say Kristin was a warm, generous person whose smile and calm presence drew people in. Those who knew her are struggling to make sense of the loss, describing her as someone who brightened every room she walked into and whose laughter was contagious.
Families in Sumerduck and across Fauquier County shared memories of her kindness with one another, some recalling afternoons spent chatting on front porches or the way she looked out for others in small, thoughtful ways.
The community is planning gatherings in the days ahead where friends and loved ones can come together to celebrate her life, share stories, and support one another in their grief.
Local leaders and residents expressed deep sorrow, noting that her death is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly a joyful presence can be taken away.
Virginia State Police are still investigating the crash to learn more about what happened in those early morning moments. They continue to urge drivers in the region to wear seatbelts and travel with caution, especially in the early hours when visibility can be low.
Kristin’s family has asked for privacy as they mourn her loss and begin to plan remembrances that honor the generosity and love she shared with everyone around her.
