VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A highly respected truck driver is being remembered as an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather after he was killed in a fiery crash on Interstate 64 that shut down the westbound lanes for nearly seven hours, authorities said.

The crash occurred around 6:50 a.m. Monday near Indian River Road when a sedan lost control while entering I-64 and was struck by an oncoming tractor-trailer, according to WAVY. The impact pushed the truck into a Jersey wall, where it overturned and erupted into flames. The driver of the tractor-trailer died at the scene, while the sedan’s driver suffered minor injuries.

Family members identified the victim as 64-year-old Ronnie Ownley of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. A lifelong truck driver, Ownley was described by loved ones as deeply skilled, attentive, and compassionate.

“He was one of the best truck drivers on the road,” his daughter, Amanda White, said in a statement. “He was very hyper aware and did his best to do what was right in the moment. He was one of the best men out there.”
She added that he had “a heart of gold” and would give the shirt off his back to help anyone in need.

Witnesses described the crash as sudden and devastating. One driver, Steve Kirby, said Ownley appeared to try to avoid the out-of-control sedan before the trailer tipped and pulled the cab onto its side. Sparks flew as the truck skidded, and a fuel tank ignited almost immediately. Several motorists stopped to help but were unable to reach the cab due to the intense flames.

Another witness said the fire was visible for miles and produced thick, black smoke. “I was hoping the driver was OK, but seeing the flames, I was pretty sure he wasn’t,” she told WAVY.

All westbound lanes of I-64 reopened around 1:45 p.m. The crash remains under investigation by Virginia State Police.

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