ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. - On the evening of February 16, State Police responded to a report of a fatal car crash that happened in the 17100 block of Metompkin Road, south of Nelsonia Road.
State Police conducted an investigation and found that the single vehicle accident happened around 8:30 p.m. The driver, Brian Markis Handy, was traveling in the southbound lanes of Metompkin Road when he encountered an area of standing water, hydroplaned and lost control of the vehicle.
The vehicle, a 2009 Lexus ES350, then left the roadway striking a tree head on.
The rear seat passenger, Jemel Lydell Toppin, 34 years of age, of Bloxom, was not wearing a seatbelt and died upon impact. Handy's front seat passenger, Samuel Keynhia Dennis, 34 was also not wearing a seatbelt and later succumbed to his injuries while being airlifted to Norfolk Sentara Hospital.
Officials say that speed is a contributing factor, but haven't yet determined if alcohol played a role.
Family members/next of kin have been contacted and notified.
Charges are pending the review of the case by the Commonwealth Attorney's Office.
