Dylan M. Hammond Identified as Driver Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-77 in Carroll County During Winter Weather

Virginia State Police have identified 26-year-old Dylan M. Hammond of Columbus, Ohio, as the driver killed in a multi-vehicle crash early Sunday morning on Interstate 77 in Carroll County, near the Virginia–North Carolina line. The deadly collision occurred around 5:09 a.m. near the eight-mile marker as winter weather moved through the area.

According to investigators, the crash began when a pickup truck traveling north in the left lane struck the rear of a tractor-trailer and veered into the median. Moments later, a 2020 Tesla driven by Hammond changed lanes and collided with a second tractor-trailer. The Tesla then reentered the left lane and struck the first tractor-trailer involved in the initial crash. Hammond, who was wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene.

 

The interstate was temporarily shut down as emergency crews from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police responded. No additional fatalities were reported, though authorities said several other injuries remain under investigation. State police confirmed that wintry weather conditions are being examined as a possible factor in the chain-reaction crash.

Hammond’s death has left family and loved ones devastated. His girlfriend, Kayla Carroll, who was also involved in the crash, shared an emotional tribute in a viral Facebook post, writing, “Dylan, you are the love of my life and I miss you so much already. I am so grateful that I got to do life with you and experience such a fairytale romance. You always made me feel like a princess… my heart is shattered, and I want more than anything to hold you again.”

The investigation into the multi-vehicle crash remains ongoing, and authorities say additional information will be released as it becomes available.