Fatal Hit-and-Run on I-81: Victim Unidentified, Suspect in Custody

Written by: Sam Orlando

AUGUSTA COUNTY, VIRGINIA – A tragic incident unfolded on Interstate 81 in Augusta County early Sunday morning, leading to the death of a pedestrian and a subsequent arrest. Virginia State Police are now appealing to the public for assistance in a case that has left more questions than answers.

The incident occurred at 3:54 a.m. near the 210-mile marker on the southbound lanes of I-81. A vehicle struck a middle-aged white male who was walking along the highway. Authorities declared the man dead at the scene. Efforts to identify the victim have been hampered by the lack of identification on his person. Described as a middle-aged white male, he bore a distinctive tattoo on his right leg. At the time of the incident, he was dressed in black, donning a hoodie emblazoned with “Missouri,” and white Nike sneakers. The man was also carrying a backpack. His body has been transferred to the Office of the Medical Examiner for examination, autopsy, and positive identification.

In the wake of the accident, Virginia State Police, in collaboration with the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, swiftly located the suspect vehicle in Fishersville. A 26-year-old male, identified through public records as Austin Wade Eavey, was arrested at 8:37 am on the same day for involuntary manslaughter. While officials have yet to confirm the connection, Eavey is currently the only individual facing such charges in public records, suggesting a likely link to the incident. He has been charged with one count of hit-and-run and one count of involuntary manslaughter.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the pedestrian or details of the crash to come forward. Witnesses or those with relevant information can contact the Virginia State Police at 540-444-7778 or via email at questions@vsp.virginia.gov. The tragic event has cast a somber tone over the community, and as the investigation continues, the Virginia State Police are committed to piecing together the events that led to this unfortunate loss of life on I-81.