Warsaw, Virginia — The close‑knit community here is reeling after Arthur A. Day, a 58‑year‑old resident known for his warmth and easy smile, died following a hit‑and‑run crash late Tuesday evening. The tragedy unfolded on Route 360 (Richmond Road) around 7:30 p.m. on February 3, as daylight faded and families were winding down for the night.
According to the Virginia State Police, Day was crossing the busy highway about 129 feet west of Campus Drive when traffic was heading eastbound. The first vehicle in the line swerved sharply, trying to avoid him. The next car was less fortunate. It struck Day and kept going, leaving him seriously hurt on the cold pavement. Witnesses said the fleeing vehicle looked like a black or dark‑colored SUV, but nobody was able to catch a tag number before it drove off.
Emergency crews rushed Day to VCU Tappahannock Hospital, where doctors worked to save him. Loved ones were called to his side, hoping for a miracle. Hours later, in the quiet of the intensive care unit, Arthur Day passed away from his injuries. Family members described the loss as sudden and shattering — a gentle life taken in an instant.
Friends remember Arthur not for the dark moments at the end, but for his everyday light. People who knew him speak of his laugh, the casual waves he’d offer neighbors on morning walks, and the way he made time to listen. For many in Warsaw, he wasn’t just a face in the crowd — he was part of the fabric that binds the town together.
As the news spread, condolences poured in at the local fire station, in church foyers, and along the aisles of area grocery stores. Conversations often circled back to the same thought: a life that felt steady and quiet can have a deep and lasting impact. It’s a truth that’s sinking in slowly like the winter sun over Richmond Road.
Virginia State Police say the investigation is ongoing and are urging anyone with information about the dark SUV to step forward. They have set up hotlines and are reviewing what little footage and tips have come in, hoping someone will remember something — anything — that could lead them to the driver who left the scene.
For now, the heart of this community lies with Arthur’s family and friends. They are planning a memorial to celebrate his life, inviting neighbors to share stories, memories, and the quiet laughter that made Day such a treasured presence in Warsaw.
