Families of two men lost in deadly New Kent crash left utterly devastated
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Two families are grieving their lost loved ones after a Friday morning deadly crash in New Kent County. Two men -- 36-year-old Eric Latrell Upshaw of King and Queen County and 40-year-old Randall Benton Cooper of Henrico County -- were tragically killed in a crash on Interstate 64 West, according to Virginia State Police (VSP). At about 11:27 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, state troopers were called to the scene of the crash around the 206 mile marker. According to police, Randall Upshaw was driving a 2003 Kenworth T800 when the tire of the truck blew out, causing it to run off the road, hit a tree and catch on fire. Cooper, a coworker and friend of Upshaw's, was his passenger. "I'm heartbroken -- I'm trying to stay strong through this right now ... it's been hard," said Deborah Upshaw, Randall Upshaw's mother. Randall Upshaw's father, William Upshaw, said he was similarly devastated by their son's loss. "It's been real hard for me and I only have one child and I love him to death," William Upshaw said. "I'll never see him again. That's the hardest part I'm dealing with right now. I just really miss my son." Alongside Randall Upshaw's parents, 8News sat down with his aunt Dorinda Mercer and uncle Richard Upshaw. Words the four used to describe the father of two included "smooth operator," "selfless," "kind," and "a lover of life." "He's courteous, kind -- just loveable," Mercer said. "He was a light in a dark room. All he had to do was open his mouth and smile [and he] would light up any room." Richard Upshaw, who is known by his family as "Uncle Snowball," echoed this sentiment. "Eric was loveable to everyone," he said. "[There] wasn’t a sad moment, you know — I never saw him sad." Upshaw leaves behind a 16-year-old teenage girl and a 10-year-old son. Cooper's family spoke with 8News over the phone and sent in the statement below in regard to the tragic loss of his life: "Randall's untimely death has left us devastated, and our lives will never be the same without him. He was a loving and dedicated father to his three young boys: Crew (11), Kai (9), and Benton (11 months). Randall's greatest joy in life was his children, and his absence leaves a profound void in their young lives. Our family is struggling to come to terms with this incredible loss. Randall's kindness, warmth, and unwavering support touched everyone who knew him, and we will cherish the memories and love he gave us forever. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and the community during this incredibly difficult time. As we mourn his passing and strive to support his boys, we ask for your continued thoughts and prayers. Randall's legacy of love and devotion to his family will never be forgotten, and we hold his memory close to our hearts. Thank you." Family of Randall Benton Cooper
VENN
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Two families are grieving their lost loved ones after a Friday morning deadly crash in New Kent County.
Two men -- 36-year-old Eric Latrell Upshaw of King and Queen County and 40-year-old Randall Benton Cooper of Henrico County -- were tragically killed in a crash on Interstate 64 West, according to Virginia State Police (VSP).
At about 11:27 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, state troopers were called to the scene of the crash around the 206 mile marker. According to police, Randall Upshaw was driving a 2003 Kenworth T800 when the tire of the truck blew out, causing it to run off the road, hit a tree and catch on fire. Cooper, a coworker and friend of Upshaw's, was his passenger.
"I'm heartbroken -- I'm trying to stay strong through this right now ... it's been hard," said Deborah Upshaw, Randall Upshaw's mother.
Randall Upshaw's father, William Upshaw, said he was similarly devastated by their son's loss.
"It's been real hard for me and I only have one child and I love him to death," William Upshaw said. "I'll never see him again. That's the hardest part I'm dealing with right now. I just really miss my son."
Alongside Randall Upshaw's parents, 8News sat down with his aunt Dorinda Mercer and uncle Richard Upshaw.
Words the four used to describe the father of two included "smooth operator," "selfless," "kind," and "a lover of life."
"He's courteous, kind -- just loveable," Mercer said. "He was a light in a dark room. All he had to do was open his mouth and smile [and he] would light up any room."
Richard Upshaw, who is known by his family as "Uncle Snowball," echoed this sentiment.
"Eric was loveable to everyone," he said. "[There] wasn’t a sad moment, you know — I never saw him sad."
Upshaw leaves behind a 16-year-old teenage girl and a 10-year-old son.
Cooper's family spoke with 8News over the phone and sent in the statement below in regard to the tragic loss of his life:
"Randall's untimely death has left us devastated, and our lives will never be the same without him. He was a loving and dedicated father to his three young boys: Crew (11), Kai (9), and Benton (11 months).
Randall's greatest joy in life was his children, and his absence leaves a profound void in their young lives. Our family is struggling to come to terms with this incredible loss.
Randall's kindness, warmth, and unwavering support touched everyone who knew him, and we will cherish the memories and love he gave us forever.
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and the community during this incredibly difficult time. As we mourn his passing and strive to support his boys, we ask for your continued thoughts and prayers.
Randall's legacy of love and devotion to his family will never be forgotten, and we hold his memory close to our hearts.
Thank you." Family of Randall Benton Cooper
