Appomattox County Deputy Killed While Helping at Crash Scene
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APPOMATTOX COUNTY, Va. — An Appomattox County community is mourning the death of Deputy Burlie Duvall III, who was killed while helping others following an eight-vehicle crash on Route 460.
A procession carried Duvall from Roanoke to Robinson Funeral Home in Appomattox on Friday night.
Virginia State Police said Duvall, 33, and another deputy were traveling home from a training academy Thursday evening when they encountered the crash near Cabin Field Road in Campbell County.
The deputies stopped to assist and parked their vehicles along the road with their emergency lights activated. Investigators said an approaching tractor-trailer swerved to avoid the vehicles and struck Duvall. He died at the scene.
Seven other people were transported to a hospital following the crash.
Duvall’s friend and former coworker, Elliot Clifton, said the circumstances surrounding the deputy’s death reflected his lifelong dedication to helping others.
“This is who he is. He had turned to help somebody else, and that’s how he met his demise, helping somebody else,” Clifton said. “That’s all he was about: serving others.”
Appomattox County Sheriff Robert Richardson said Duvall’s courage, selflessness and commitment to duty will never be forgotten. He asked the community to keep Duvall’s family, the sheriff’s office and everyone affected by the tragedy in their thoughts and prayers.
Duvall leaves behind his wife and three children.
The crash closed both lanes of Route 460 for approximately 10 hours before the highway reopened early Friday morning. Virginia State Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
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