The quiet of Black Ridge Road in Floyd County turned to heartbreak late Saturday as a 43‑year‑old Hillsville resident died in a single‑vehicle crash, state police say. Around 9 p.m., Virginia State Police troopers were called after a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox driven by David Lee Conner ran off the roadway and struck an embankment. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Friends and neighbors described Conner as a devoted family man who knew the local backroads well, but on that Saturday night something went terribly wrong. The stretch of Black Ridge Road where the crash happened is narrow and winding, and witnesses later told investigators they heard the impact before seeing lights from emergency vehicles. Rescue crews found Conner still in his SUV and attempted aid, but he had already died.
Troopers confirmed Conner had been wearing his seatbelt, and no other vehicles were involved. Investigators are still piecing together what led the Equinox to leave the pavement, and state police say the cause is not yet determined. Family members have asked for privacy as they grieve the sudden loss of a husband, father, and friend.
In the coming days, crash reconstruction teams will review physical evidence and roadway conditions. Residents of Floyd County, many of whom travel the route regularly, say they are saddened by the news and are urging drivers to be cautious on rural roads after dark. The sheriff’s office is expected to release a statement once more details are confirmed.
