HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. — A quiet Saturday evening turned tragic for one Halifax man and his loved ones after a crash that claimed his life on Oak Level Road. Kendrick Nakeith Powell, 57, of Halifax, died after the Chevrolet Camaro he was driving ran off the road and overturned, according to the Virginia State Police.
The crash happened at about 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, when Powell’s 1986 Chevy Camaro left the right side of Oak Level Road roughly 1.5 miles south of Mountain Road. Police say the vehicle overcorrected and rolled, sending him to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries.
Authorities determined that Powell was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Preliminary findings also indicate that excessive speed may have played a role in the crash. State police continue to investigate the circumstances.
Friends and neighbors described Powell as a familiar face in Halifax — someone who loved his community and was always ready with a greeting or a helping hand. While official statements focus on facts of the collision, close friends say that he was a dedicated father, uncle and friend whose absence will be deeply felt in gatherings and quiet moments alike. (Local accounts from community, WDBJ7)
On Oak Level Road, a stretch of highway that local drivers know well, the crash has sparked renewed calls for caution. Virginia State Police and traffic safety advocates remind drivers to buckle up and watch their speed, especially on rural roads where conditions can change quickly and recovery from a loss of control can be difficult.
The loss has sent a ripple of sorrow through Halifax County. “He was always someone you could count on,” said one longtime friend. “To know him was to smile. It’s hard to believe he’s gone.” Local residents have begun leaving flowers and tokens of remembrance near the crash site, expressing a collective grief and a wish that others take extra care behind the wheel. (Community responses reported around Halifax)
Powell’s family is navigating an unbearable period of loss and shock. In announcements shared by loved ones, they asked for privacy and grace while planning a celebration of his life and the many ways he enriched their days. As the community mourns, they also honor his memory with stories that reflect a life lived with generosity and spirit.
In the coming weeks, investigators with the Virginia State Police will complete their review of the crash scene and vehicle data to better understand all contributing factors. Meanwhile, those who knew Powell are left with memories, shared sorrow, and a determination to keep his spirit alive in their hearts.
