VARINA DISTRICT, Va. — A deadly head-on collision in Henrico County early Monday morning has left one man dead and two others fighting for their lives, according to Henrico Police. The crash, which shut down a stretch of New Market Road for hours, is now under active investigation as authorities work to determine what led to the violent impact.
Officers were dispatched at approximately 6:16 a.m. to the 3600 block of New Market Road near New Market Heights Lane after receiving reports of a serious two-vehicle crash. When first responders arrived at the scene, they found two heavily damaged vehicles in the roadway — a red Mini Cooper and a Chevrolet Express van — both showing signs of a direct head-on impact.
Police confirmed that the driver of the Mini Cooper was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim has been identified as 32-year-old Layten Perkins of Ohio. Authorities said he was the only person inside the vehicle at the time of the crash, and his injuries were fatal upon impact.
Inside the Chevrolet Express van, two adult male occupants were also found injured. Officials said both men suffered life-threatening injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. Their current conditions have not been publicly released, but investigators confirmed they remain under medical treatment.
Preliminary findings suggest that the Mini Cooper was traveling westbound on New Market Road when it crossed the center line for reasons that are still unclear. The vehicle then struck the eastbound van head-on. Investigators have stated that alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash, though other possible causes such as speed, distraction, or road conditions are still being examined.
Henrico Police closed the roadway for several hours as crash reconstruction teams documented the scene and collected evidence. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as they work to piece together the events leading up to the collision. Officials are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Henrico Police at (804) 501-5000 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.