Farmer checking his mail is killed in hit-and-run involving 2 cars, Virginia cops say
While on his way to check the mail, a Virginia farmer was struck and killed by two vehicles in a hit-and-run, authorities said.
Now, police are searching for the drivers who hit him and drove off.
The crash happened at 5:47 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, in Fauquier County, Virginia State Police said in a Nov. 8 Facebook post.
The farmer, later identified as 73-year-old Garland Heddings, was walking eastbound on the road when he was struck by a northbound vehicle, police said. Moments later, a vehicle traveling southbound also hit him.
According to police, Heddings died at the scene.
Several people took to Facebook to share memories about Heddings, a well-known farmer to the Catlett community.
“I haven’t been able to find the words. My heart is hurting,” one person commented on a Nov. 10 Facebook post by another farm in the area. “I had many wonderful conversations with Garland on farming and we shared many a smile and a wave. He helped me to feel less lonely on those farming days when there is nobody in sight.”
“I worked at Fauquier Livestock for 17 years and I always enjoyed chatting and joking with Garland when he came in. My condolences to the family and I hope they catch those responsible for this,” another person commented on a Nov. 9 Heddings Farm Facebook post.
Police said the first vehicle involved is believed to be a silver Nissan SUV, and the other vehicle remains unknown. Both vehicles involved are believed to have damage to the front end.
“The only thing I can hope is the information will get out there,” Heddings’ daughter, Jaricia Heddings, told WRC-TV while crying. “That they would be, like, ‘Oh no, I did hit something, and what I hit was a human being.’ It’s somebody’s father and somebody’s grandfather. So, if you are out there, can you give us peace? You would want it for your family.”
Police said the investigation is ongoing.
Catlett is about a 47-mile drive southwest of Washington, D.C.
This story was originally published November 13, 2024 at 9:19 AM with the headline "Farmer checking his mail is killed in hit-and-run involving 2 cars, Virginia cops say."
