Page 5 – Blue Ridge Life Magazine

Updated 3.25.25 : Investigation Continues – Multiple Fatality Accident Along BRP (Victims Identified)

News

Tommy

March 24, 2025

Updated 3.25.25 : Investigation Continues – Multiple Fatality Accident Along BRP (Victims Identified)

Near Raven’s Roost
Blue Ridge Parkway
North Of Reeds Gap
Near Nelson-Augusta County Line

WSET in Lynchburg has been able to get identities confirmed from the National Park Service.

“Officials said the two people in the car died, identifying the victims as 62-year-old Troy Hagwood and his 60-year-old wife, Cheryl Hagwood. NPS said the couple was from Stuarts Draft.”

WSET story is linked here.

Original post:

As we first told you in our Facebook page post here on Sunday, an afternoon accident along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Ravens Roost took the life of two people. While details are unclear as to exactly what happened, it appears the car either left the road and stuck a tree, then fell on the car. A fire occurred after the tree fell. Or, a tree fell on the car as it was traveling along the parkway and then the car burst into flames catching the nearby woods on fire.

Reconstruction crews were busy Sunday afternoon trying to determine exactly what happened. The parkway was shutdown for a lengthy time.

We are aware of the deceased people’s identity, but will not be releasing those until an official release has been made from the BRP Police or Virginia State Police, or by family members granting permission.

More information as we have it.

Nelson : Roseland : Dry Conditions Spark Brush Fire

News

Tommy
-

March 11, 2025
0

Roseland / Bryant
Nelson County, Virginia

Dry conditions, warmer temps, humidity levels down in the 20 and 30% range and occasionally breezy southerly winds set the stage for a wildfire Tuesday afternoon just after 12 PM in Bryant near Roseland in Southern Nelson County.

A special weather statement was issued earlier in the day by the National Weather Service for an enhanced risk for fires along and west of the Blue Ridge Parkway. There were no statements on the eastern side, but conditions were still very dry and ripe for fires.

Photo By Peyton Stafford / Blue Ridge Life : Fire units were see responding to a brush fire on Chestnut Ridge in the southern part of Nelson County Tuesday afternoon – March 11, 2025

For about two to three hours area fire crews fought the blaze before getting it completely under control.

Photo By Peyton Stafford : Blue Ridge Life : Smoke could be seen rising in the distance above route 151 no Chestnut Ridge Tuesday afternoon – March 11, 2025.

By late afternoon the fire was under control.

The next chance for widespread rainfall is the coming weekend.

Elevated Threat : Spread Of Fires Along & West Of BRP (Includes Wintergreen) 3.11.25

News

Weather

Tommy
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March 11, 2025
0

ELEVATED THREAT FOR THE SPREAD OF FIRES
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
455 AM EDT Tue Mar 11 2025

Garrett-Washington-Frederick MD-Carroll-Extreme Western Allegany-
Central and Eastern Allegany-Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-
Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-Western Highland-Eastern Highland-
Western Loudoun-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-
Hardy-Western Grant-Eastern Grant-Western Mineral-Eastern Mineral-
Western Pendleton-Eastern Pendleton-
Including the cities of Mountain Lake Park, Oakland, Grantsville,
Hagerstown, Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Eldersburg, Westminster,
Frostburg, Cumberland, Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft,
Harrisonburg, Strasburg, Woodstock, Mount Jackson, New Market,
Winchester, Luray, Shenandoah, Stanley, Front Royal, Berryville,
Hightown, Monterey, Purcellville, Big Meadows, Wintergreen,
Romney, Paw Paw, Martinsburg, Charles Town, Shepherdstown,
Moorefield, Bayard, Mount Storm, Petersburg, Elk Garden, Antioch,
Keyser, New Creek, Ridgeville, Russelldale, Headsville,
Fort Ashby, Riverton, Brandywine, Franklin, Oak Flat, Ruddle,
and Sugar Grove
455 AM EDT Tue Mar 11 2025

…ELEVATED THREAT FOR THE SPREAD OF FIRES FROM LATE MORNING THROUGH
EARLY EVENING FOR NORTHWEST VIRGINIA…EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA…AND
NORTH-CENTRAL AND WESTERN MARYLAND…

The combination of west winds gusting 15 to 25 mph, relative
humidity falling to 20 to 30 percent, and drying fine fuels today
will lead to an elevated threat for rapid fire spread. Locally
higher wind gusts are possible along the ridges.

Please refer to your local burn permitting authorities on whether
you may burn outdoors. If you do burn, use extreme caution since
fires can increasingly escalate under these conditions.

Zone Forecast Product
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
732 AM EDT Tue Mar 11 2025

Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Including the city of Wintergreen
732 AM EDT Tue Mar 11 2025

.TODAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.
Gusts up to 25 mph this afternoon.
.TONIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 40s. West winds 10 to
15 mph.
.WEDNESDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. West winds around
5 mph, becoming south with gusts up to 20 mph in the afternoon.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming
partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
.THURSDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. West winds around
5 mph, becoming south in the afternoon.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s.
.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs around 60.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s.
.SATURDAY…Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the mid 60s.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…Showers likely. Breezy with lows in the upper
50s. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.SUNDAY…Showers, breezy with highs in the lower 60s. Chance of
rain 90 percent.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of
showers. Lows in the mid 40s.
.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s.

Spring Forward Saturday Night Before Bed : DST Begins 2AM Sun (3.9.24)

News

Tommy
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March 6, 2025
0

Central Virginia Blue Ridge

With a few warmer days here and there (Lots of 70s coming at us next week!) thoughts are turning to those longer summer days. Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday – March 9th at 2AM.

If you don’t party until that hour, your best bet is to move your clock ahead one hour before turning in on Saturday night. Then you’re all taken care of until we go back to standard time on November 2nd, 2025.

Until then, enjoy those longer, carefree days of summer soon to come!!

Weather Bulletin : Red Flag Warning – Dangerous Fire Conditions Exist (3.1.25)

News

Weather

Tommy
-

March 1, 2025
0

RED FLAG WARNING
URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
305 AM EST Sat Mar 1 2025

(Scroll to see note from Wintergreen Property Owners Association regarding no open fires over weekend)

Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-
Stafford-Spotsylvania-King George-Northern Fauquier-
Southern Fauquier-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-Northwest Prince William-
Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-
305 AM EST Sat Mar 1 2025

…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM EST
THIS EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR AREAS
ALONG AND EAST OF THE BLUE RIDGE…

* TIMING…From 10 AM this morning to 7 PM EST this evening.

* WINDS…Northwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 15 to 20 percent.

* IMPACTS…The combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and
strong gusty winds may result in favorable conditions for the
rapid spread of fires

* FUEL MOISTURE…5 to 10 percent.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

From WPOA:

“Many of you are likely planning to stay at your Wintergreen homes this weekend so you can enjoy the stellar snow coverage on the slopes.

We need to call your attention to the current fire threat level “high” as assigned by the Virginia Department of Forestry for our Central region.

Specifically, we have some concerns about humidity and wind conditions tomorrow afternoon. With the assigned risk already “high” this means that no outdoor fires are permitted. Currently it looks as if the next opportunity for you to use an outdoor fire feature at Wintergreen will be Sunday after 4PM.

Thank you for helping keep Wintergreen safe.”

URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
238 AM EST Sat Mar 1 2025

…DANGEROUS CONDITIONS FOR THE SPREAD OF WILDFIRES POSSIBLE
THROUGH THIS EVENING…

.Low humidity and breezy, shifting winds along with drying fuels
will potentially support dangerous wildfire conditions.

Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-
Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-
238 AM EST Sat Mar 1 2025

…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 PM
EST THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR AREAS
ALONG AND EAST OF THE BLUE RIDGE…

The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Red Flag
Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect
from 10 AM this morning to 10 PM EST this evening.

* AFFECTED AREA…In Virginia, Fire Weather Zone 032 Patrick,
Fire Weather Zone 033 Franklin, Fire Weather Zone 034 Bedford,
Fire Weather Zone 035 Amherst, Fire Weather Zone 043 Henry,
Fire Weather Zone 044 Pittsylvania, Fire Weather Zone 045
Campbell, Fire Weather Zone 046 Appomattox, Fire Weather Zone
047 Buckingham, Fire Weather Zone 058 Halifax and Fire Weather
Zone 059 Charlotte.

* WINDS…Northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 23 percent.

* IMPACTS…Low humidity and breezy winds, in addition to drying
fuels may cause any fires that develop to spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now….or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds…low relative humidity…and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

For more information from NOAA/National Weather Service visit
http://www.weather.gov/rnk/fire

Wintergreen : So Long Gregg, RIP Our Friend

News

Tommy
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February 27, 2025
0

Wintergreen Resort
Nelson County, Virginia

By Tommy Stafford

Just shy of 20 years ago we told you about Gregory Bradly. (page 12) He was a ski patroller at Wintergreen Resort. Bigger than life, and that contagious smile!

Gregg Bradley in our January 2006 feature story about his time as a ski patroller at Wintergreen.

Gregg became one of our favorite people to see on the mountain over the years. He was just that sort of guy. So wonderfully likable from the minute you met him.

Sadly we learned recently that Gregg passed away. Just like that he was gone.

“The Wintergreen Ski Patrol recently lost a true hero, mentor, and friend—Greg Bradley. Though a physicist by profession, Greg’s love of skiing, passion for helping others, and warm heart made him the perfect ski patroller,” Judi Kay-Monaghan with Wintergreen Ski Patrol told us about his passing.

Photo by Tommy Stafford : In this December 2005 photo Gregg (far right) chats it up with fellow ski patrollers during a training session.

“Greg’s journey with the National Ski Patrol (NSP) began when he arrived at Wintergreen Resort as a recreational skier. Instantly captivated by the patrol’s mission, he dedicated nearly 40 years to serving the NSP and became one of its most respected members. The NSP, an organization 85 years strong with over 30,000 patrollers across 650 ski patrols nationwide, was more than a commitment for Greg—it was his calling.

Rising through the ranks, Greg achieved the prestigious status of Certified Alpine Patroller #449, one of the highest distinctions in the NSP. In 1996, he was awarded National Appointment #8292, a rare honor recognizing exceptional leadership and service. Only about 2% of NSP members earn the Certified Patroller title, a rigorous designation requiring expertise in avalanche rescue, outdoor emergency care, risk management, rope rescue, skiing, and toboggan handling. Greg not only met this elite standard—he excelled beyond it,” Judi Kay-Monaghan continued.

Photo from Gregg Bradley archives : Gregg’s leadership and knowledge reached beyond Wintergreen, even playing a pivotal role in developing a ski patrol for Dubai’s indoor ski facility. Greg’s ability to inspire others made him the ideal person for such a unique and challenging task.Here he’s seen in October 2005 instructing crew members in Dubai at their indoor skiing facility.

I can’t remember the last time I personally saw Gregg. As the years ticked on we lost touch. But he was one of the people, and the stories, I never forgot. He made that much of an impression still nearly 20 years later.

Judi with Ski Patrol went on to tell us, “Greg’s smile lit up every room he entered. His compassion, kindness, and love for people left an unforgettable impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. As the Wintergreen Ski Patrol celebrates its 50th anniversary, Greg Bradley will forever be remembered for his dedication, leadership, and the lasting contributions he made to his beloved patrol family.”

Here’s a link to Gregg’s official obituary and information on the upcoming service in Norfolk honoring his life.

Fly high Gregg, you made the world such a better place with you in it!

Nelson : Nelson Sheriff Finds New Details In 1998 Missing Person Case Of Jeffery Quick

News

Press Release

Tommy
-

February 20, 2025
0

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia

Press release from Sheriff Mark Embrey:

The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office has re-opened a ‘Missing Persons’ case that was originally reported to this agency almost three decades ago.

Mr. Jeffrey Lee Quick, a Nelson County resident, was reported missing on May 23, 1998. To date, Mr. Quick has never been located, as leads surrounding his disappearance never materialized following the initial investigation.

Over the last several months, Investigators with the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office have re-conducted interviews with individuals associated with this case. As a result, new details have emerged surrounding Mr. Quick’s disappearance. These details suggest that Mr. Quick was the victim of a homicide, which occurred on or about May 22, 1998.

It is believed with high confidence that Mr. Quick’s remains are located in the Bassett, Virginia area of Henry County, based upon the new details received by our office. The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance from anyone, particularly in the Henry County area, that may have knowledge of Mr. Quick’s disappearance dating back to 1998.

The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office would like to locate Mr. Quick’s remains, so that closure and comfort can be provided to Mr. Quick’s family. Anyone with information about this case can contact Investigator Chip Woody with the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office at (434) 263-7069.

Albemarle – Crozet : Number Dead From Monday’s Shooting Rises To Three

News

Tommy
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February 18, 2025
0

Crozet
Albemarle County, Virginia

As we first told you here in this Facebook Live video and in our previous story, Albemarle County Police continue their investigation into a shooting that took place on the Harris Teeter parking lot in Crozet Monday afternoon.

Tuesday morning police held another press conference and released more information, including the name of an Afton woman that later passed away from the shooting.

Above a replay from Tuesday morning’s press conference.

“The Albemarle County Police Department would like to provide an update on the shooting incident that occurred February 17, 2025, at the Harris Teeter located in Crozet.

Based on the preliminary investigation, investigators believe that the shooter entered the Harris Teeter parking lot and fired a rifle at the first victim, 43-year-old Peter L. Martin of Crozet, Va., who was exiting the store. Martin was pronounced deceased at the scene.

After shooting Martin, the suspect approached a second victim in their vehicle. That victim has been identified as Diane G. Spangler, 68, of Afton, Va. Spangler was transported to UVA Medical Center in critical condition and later succumbed to the injuries sustained during the shooting.

An off-duty federal law enforcement officer who heard the gunfire and was exiting the Harris Teeter engaged the shooter with their personal weapon. The shooter, identified as Justin M. Barbour, 28, of Crozet, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The off-duty officer was uninjured in the incident.

“Yesterday afternoon, a tragedy struck our community when a lone gunman opened fire in the parking lot of Harris Teeter in Crozet. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this senseless act of violence, as well as to the greater Crozet community,” said Colonel Sean Reeves, Chief of the Albemarle County Police Department. “We owe an immense debt of gratitude to an off-duty Federal Law Enforcement Professional who happened to be at the shopping center when the shooting occurred. This heroic individual selflessly placed themselves in harm’s way to stop the gunman and prevent further loss of life. Without their brave actions, the casualty count could have been much higher.”

Barbour did not have a criminal history but has had prior contact with law enforcement, with the most recent being in January 2025. At this point in the investigation, it is unknown if Barbour had any affiliation to Martin and Spangler prior to the incident.

We ask that anyone who was in the area of the Harris Teeter at the time of the shooting and has not yet spoken with investigators to please contact Detective Holmes at 434-296-5807 or Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000. Even the smallest details may be helpful in our investigation.”

Albemarle : Two Dead After Shooting On Parking Lot In Crozet

News

Tommy
-

February 18, 2025
0

Crozet
Albemarle County, Virginia

Two People are dead and another is injured after a shooting on the parking lot of Harris Teeter in Crozet around 1 PM Monday afternoon.

In the above Facebook live from Monday I talked about the official release from Albemarle County Police.

“Upon arrival, first responders located three adults suffering from gunshot wounds in the parking lot. Two of the gunshot victims were pronounced deceased at the scene. The third victim was transported to UVA Medical Center in critical condition. The identities of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

At this point in the investigation, officers believe that the suspect began shooting in the parking lot, striking two others. A good samaritan who was exiting Harris Teeter engaged the suspected shooter with their personal weapon. The suspected shooter was pronounced deceased at the scene. The good samaritan was uninjured in the shooting,” according to a release from the Albemarle County Police Department late Monday afternoon.

Police went on to say that two weapons were recovered from the scene, and they are still investigating the relation between the gunshot victims. Virginia State Police has also been called in to assist in the investigation.

More coverage here from our news colleagues over at CBS19 News in Charlottesville.

Another press conference is scheduled for late Tuesday morning.

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