Driver trying to avoid hitting ATV on highway runs into tree, dies

ONANCOCK

A driver was killed and a passenger was injured after their vehicle swerved to avoid an ATV on Route 126 then lost control, overturned and struck a tree, according to the Virginia State Police.

Officials arrived at the scene just after 1 a.m. at the 21000 block of Fairgrounds Road.

Authorities discovered the 2004 Pontiac GTO, driven by Larry Lee RIckets II, 39, of Hacksneck. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, Andrew Netherv, was flown to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for treatment.

Rickets was driving eastbound on Route 126 when he came across a 2002 Kawasaki ATV that was also headed eastbound.

The driver of the ATV was charged with operating an ATV on a highway, with no taillights and riding without a helmet, officials said.

Alcohol was not a factor, investigators said.