HANOVER COUNTY, Va. — A peaceful Thursday morning in Mechanicsville ended in tragedy when a man was fatally injured after being run over by a vehicle on private property. The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies were called around mid-morning to the 9200 block of Haska Court after receiving reports of a man trapped beneath a vehicle.
When deputies and emergency personnel arrived, they found the victim partially pinned under the vehicle in a residential driveway. Hanover Fire & EMS quickly worked to lift the vehicle and free the man, who was still alive but suffering from severe injuries. He was immediately transported to VCU Medical Center in Richmond for emergency treatment. Sadly, despite the medical team’s efforts, he later died from his injuries at the hospital.
Authorities have identified the victim as 72-year-old Gary Wayne Anderson, a resident of Mechanicsville. Neighbors described Anderson as a friendly and helpful man who had lived in the community for many years. “Gary was the kind of person who always stopped to chat and lend a hand,” one resident said. “It’s heartbreaking to hear this happened right here in our neighborhood.”
The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into the incident shortly after the accident. Preliminary findings indicate that the event was accidental in nature, and there are currently no signs of foul play. Investigators believe the tragedy may have occurred while Anderson or someone nearby was maneuvering the vehicle on private property, though the exact sequence of events remains unclear.
Authorities are continuing to piece together how the vehicle came to strike Anderson, reviewing physical evidence and speaking with witnesses. The sheriff’s office emphasized that incidents like this are rare but serve as a somber reminder of the dangers vehicles can pose, even in familiar surroundings such as driveways and yards. Officials have urged residents to exercise extra caution when operating or moving vehicles on uneven or residential terrain.
The community of Mechanicsville has been left mourning the sudden loss of one of its longtime residents. As friends and neighbors come to terms with the tragedy, law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to Anderson’s family and promised a thorough investigation to ensure all circumstances surrounding the accident are fully understood.