Calls for action pour in after third pedestrian killed in Richmond within two weeks
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Some Richmond residents are shaken by the city's latest deadly pedestrian crash -- the third they've seen in only a week and a half.
Just before 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, a man in his 60s was crossing W. Leigh Street when a dump truck -- which was turning left from N. Harrison Street onto W. Leigh -- hit him, according to the Richmond Police Department.
The man is the third pedestrian killed by a vehicle in less than two weeks in Richmond, after Valentine director Bill Martin and an unidentified woman were hit and killed on Dec. 27, 2025 along E. Broad Street and on Jan. 3 along Semmes Avenue, respectively.
Two neighbors who are saddened by the news spoke with 8News, sharing what they believe should happen next to prevent future deaths.
"The way the trucks turn in and the traffic lights -- it was bound to happen," said Daniel Davis.
Davis, who works in construction, said large vehicles like dump trucks present a hazard.
"Making that left-hand turn, they swing over and they take a bunch of lanes out doing so," Davis said. "I think they should have had more flaggers up here."
The incident happened just steps away from George W. Carver Elementary School. However, a police spokesperson told 8News that the victim was not connected to the school in any way.
The intersection of N. Harrison and W. Leigh streets in Richmond, where a man was hit and killed by a dump truck driver on Jan. 6. (Photo: Ben Walls/8News)
This tragedy still hits hard for former Richmond School Board member Mariah White, who says speeding is a problem in the area. She previously helped install speed bumps near Carver to slow people down.
"If this happened to a person -- what about our children during the day? There needs to be speed signs," White said. "There also might need to be — included — a $200 fee for just speeding down the street. This area has been like a speedway, and I'm very upset that someone cannot even cross the street."
While Richmond Police said speed was not a factor in this deadly crash, Davis said he is hoping that both drivers and pedestrians pay attention.
While authorities investigate, drivers are encouraged to slow down, put away any distractions and look out for the people around them.
