Spencer Forsling, Virginia Tech Student, Fatally Struck by Blacksburg Police Officer Responding to Call

Blacksburg, VA – Virginia Tech and the Blacksburg community are mourning the loss of Spencer Davis Woodson Forsling, a 22-year-old graduate student who was fatally struck early Wednesday morning by a Blacksburg Police officer responding to an emergency call.

The incident occurred around 2:27 a.m. at the intersection of North Main Street and Roanoke Street. Forsling was crossing the street when he was hit by a 2021 Town of Blacksburg Police Ford Explorer and was pronounced dead at the scene. The officer driving the vehicle was uninjured.

The Virginia State Police (VSP) has launched a full investigation into the crash. The identity of the officer involved has not been released as the investigation remains ongoing. Once complete, the findings will be submitted to the Montgomery County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for review.

“The university community is heart-broken following this sudden loss,” Virginia Tech spokesman Mark Owczarski said. “Our attention will focus on supporting family, friends, and colleagues who were a part of his vibrant life.”

Spencer Forsling, Virginia Tech Student, Fatally Struck by Blacksburg Police Officer Responding to Call

This tragedy marks the second pedestrian fatality involving a Virginia Tech student this year, following the March death of 19-year-old Franklin Zhang.

Local residents and business owners have expressed concern about pedestrian safety in downtown Blacksburg. Eric Bissey, owner of Nice Dreams Shop, said, “This town needs to do something to divert some of this traffic off Main Street. People are constantly running stop signs and stop lights. It’s not safe for pedestrians trying to cross the road.”

While acknowledging the tragedy, Bissey emphasized his confidence in local law enforcement. “We have a good police force here in town, and I know that was not the intention,” he said. “Even if you are responding to an emergency, you need to use caution.”

Blacksburg resident Elisa Bostangian echoed these concerns. “I got scared when I heard the news, thinking it might be someone I know. There have been too many accidents recently,” she said.

The Virginia State Police continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash to determine contributing factors. Authorities have urged anyone with information to assist in the ongoing investigation.

This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.