The quiet stretch of Waterlick Road in Bedford County turned tragic early Friday morning when 57-year-old Robert Lee Dresser Jr. lost his life in a hit-and-run crash that has left a small Virginia community shaken and searching for answers.
According to investigators, the fatal collision happened around 12:29 a.m. on March 6, 2026, near the intersection of Waterlick Road and Valleywood Drive. Authorities say a vehicle believed to be a 2019 to 2021 Ford Expedition was traveling east when it suddenly veered off the right side of the roadway. The SUV struck a mailbox before hitting Dresser, who was walking near the road at the time.
The driver never stopped.
Emergency crews arrived shortly after the crash, but Dresser was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say the suspected vehicle likely suffered visible damage during the impact. Officials believe the passenger-side grille may be damaged and the passenger-side mirror may be missing.
For the close-knit community around Thaxton, the loss has been deeply personal. Dresser was a lifelong resident of the area and someone many neighbors knew well. Friends and family describe him as a warm and generous man who cared deeply about the people around him.
People who crossed paths with him often recall his easygoing nature and the way he treated everyone with kindness. In a rural community where neighbors often know each other for decades, his sudden death has left many stunned and grieving.
Virginia State Police say the search for the driver is now a top priority. Troopers are urging anyone who may have seen a Ford Expedition with fresh front-end damage or a missing passenger-side mirror to come forward. Even small pieces of information could help investigators track down the vehicle involved.
As the investigation continues, the people of Bedford County are left mourning a man whose life ended in a moment that no one saw coming. Robert Lee Dresser Jr. leaves behind memories that friends say will remain strong long after the shock of this tragedy fades.
For now, candles, quiet prayers, and shared stories are helping a grieving community hold on to the memory of a man many simply describe as a good neighbor and a kind soul.
