Va. Deputy Killed While Helping at Crash Scene in 8-Vehicle Pileup

Appomattox County Sheriff's Deputy Burlie W. Duvall III, who stopped to help at a crash, died when he was struck by a tractor-trailer that swerved into the emergency scene.
Source Officer.com News
Aug. 8, 2026
2 min read
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What to Know

  • Appomattox County Sheriff's Deputy Burlie W. Duvall III was killed Thursday evening while helping at a crash scene in Campbell County, Virginia, after he and another deputy stopped to assist while returning from the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy.
  • According to Virginia State Police, a tractor-trailer swerved to avoid the deputies' emergency vehicles and struck Duvall, triggering an eight-vehicle chain-reaction crash that sent at least seven people to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
  • Sheriff Robby Richardson praised Duvall's service and sacrifice, while a GoFundMe campaign remembers him as a compassionate, selfless public servant.
Appomattox County, VA, Sheriff's Office
Appomattox County Sheriff's Deputy Burlie W. Duvall III

Appomattox County Sheriff's Deputy Burlie W. Duvall III died Thursday when he was struck by a tractor-trailer while helping at the scene of another crash in Campbell County.

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A Virginia deputy helping with a traffic incident was killed Thursday in an eight-vehicle, chain-reaction crash.

Appomattox County Sheriff's Deputy Burlie W. Duvall III and another deputy were returning from the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy just after 5:30 p.m. when they stopped to help at a Campbell County crash scene, according to a Virginia State Police news release posted to social media. They had set up their vehicles in the two left lanes with their emergency lights activated.

As they were working at the crash scene, a tractor-trailer swerved to avoid the deputies' vehicles. Burlie was struck by the big rig, and he died at the scene. 

"Deputy Burlie W. Duvall, III dedicated his life to protecting this community, and he gave that life while serving others," Sheriff Robby Richardson wrote in social media post. "His courage, selflessness, and commitment to duty will never be forgotten."

At least seven people were rushed to the hosptial following the crash. None of the individuals suffered injuries that were considered life-threatening.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help Duvall's family.

"(Duvall) was the kind of person who made everyone around him feel safe and loved," the page states. "A selfless, compassionate, and genuinely good man, he had the biggest heart and the sweetest soul. Those who knew him would describe him as a true teddy bear—kind, gentle, loving, and always willing to help someone in need."

"He dedicated his life to protecting and serving others, never knowing that one day he would make the ultimate sacrifice in doing so," the page adds.

The crash is under investigation.

About the Author

Joe Vince
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Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.
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