HANOVER COUNTY, Va. — An 18-year-old Randolph-Macon College student was killed in a Sunday night crash, according to the Hanover Sheriff's Office and an email from the college.
"On Sunday, December 10, 2023, at approximately 10:31 p.m., deputies responded to the 13000 block of Hanover Courthouse Road near Depot Road for a single-vehicle accident," an email from a sheriff's office spokesperson read. "The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2021 Chevrolet sedan was traveling south when it struck a large tree limb in the roadway. The driver then lost control and the vehicle exited the roadway to the right, striking a tree."
Investigators identified the driver as Berend High, 18, of Woodford, Virginia.
"Investigators are still collecting information to determine the circumstances that led to this crash," the email continued.
Randolph-Macon College President Robert Lindgren alerted the campus community to High's death via email.
"Berend was creative, outgoing, and involved, and he was joyfully sharing his many gifts with our community already on campus," Lindgren's message read. "An Honors Student, he planned to pursue a major in Chemistry."
High was a member of the school's League of Legends esports team and performed as a bassoonist in the Randolph-Macon Wind Ensemble.
"His professors, coach and advisers describe him as 'warm and kind' with a kind of spark - as well as 'funny, silly, and goofy - the type of guy who always brightened up a room,'" the message continued.
An event to honor High's life will be held when students return to campus in January.
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
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