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According to the Virginia State Police, a teenager from Chesapeake died in a car crash in Franklin County on Saturday, December 7, 2013.
The accident occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. when a 2004 Ford Taurus, traveling southbound on Virginia Route 122 (Booker T. Washington Highway) near Virginia 1235 (Lakemount Drive) swerved off the road for unknown reasons, and collided with a tree.
The young man killed in the accident has been identified as 18-year-old Darius Tyre Dixon, of Chesapeake, who was riding in the front passenger seat of the vehicle without a seat belt. He died at the scene of the crash.
The driver of the vehicle was 20-year-old Abigail Jane Flower, of Lynchburg. There was one other passenger in the vehicle, Abigail Flower’s 18-year-old brother Caleb Flower, also of Lynchburg. Both were wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. They were taken to Roanoke Memorial Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries.
Abigail Flower was charged with reckless driving.
Dixon was a freshman member of the Liberty University track and field team and a graduate of Western Branch High School.
Liberty University’s coach Brant Tolsma said in a statement to the press, “Our hearts are all aching over the tragic loss of this promising life. Darius was a very special young man who was part of a wonderful freshman class. We appreciate the prayers and support of the many people who are upholding his family and our team during this difficult time. We are confident, based upon his testimony, that he is with the Lord, and that gives us comfort.”