ESSEX COUNTY, VA — Authorities are investigating a tragic two-vehicle collision that claimed the life of a 29-year-old woman in Essex County on Wednesday afternoon. The fatal crash occurred around 12:44 p.m. on October 8 along Kino Road, just north of Clarke Lane, according to the Virginia State Police.
Preliminary reports indicate that a 2019 Kia Sorento, driven by 29-year-old Devin Nicole Woodland of Tappahannock, was traveling southbound when it crossed the double-yellow centerline and collided head-on with a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado moving northbound. Emergency responders, including state troopers and local rescue crews, arrived quickly after receiving multiple 911 calls about the crash.
Woodland was pronounced deceased at the scene despite immediate medical efforts. The driver of the Chevrolet, 59-year-old Timothy Winn McKinley, also from Tappahannock, sustained serious injuries and was flown by MedFlight to a Richmond hospital for treatment. Officials have not released details regarding his current condition but confirmed he was receiving medical care.
Investigators stated that neither driver appeared to have been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash — a factor that may have contributed to the severity of their injuries. Law enforcement officials are again urging motorists to always wear seatbelts and remain attentive on rural roadways, where many crashes occur due to limited visibility and narrow lanes.
The stretch of Kino Road where the collision happened was closed for several hours while the Virginia State Police Crash Reconstruction Team processed the scene. Investigators examined vehicle damage, gathered witness statements, and took photographs to determine the sequence of events. The roadway was later reopened once the debris was cleared and both vehicles were towed for further inspection.
Community members in Tappahannock have expressed heartbreak over Woodland’s death, describing her as a friendly and compassionate person known by many in the area. Local officials extended their condolences to both families and encouraged residents to continue practicing safe driving habits. As the investigation continues, authorities are looking into contributing factors such as road conditions, speed, and possible driver distractions. This devastating crash serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change on the road — and the vital importance of caution and seatbelt use every time a driver gets behind the wheel.