RICHMOND, Va. — The two men killed Friday in a crash on Interstate 64 in New Kent were identified by Virginia State Police as Eric Latrell Upshaw, 36, of Walkerton, and Randall Benton Cooper, 40, of Glen Allen, Virginia.
Upshaw was driving a 2003 Kenworth T800 on Friday morning when a tire on the truck blew, police said.
The truck ran off Interstate 64 west, struck a tree, and caught fire.
Both Upshaw and Cooper were pronounced dead at the scene.
Both men were remembered as loving fathers.
"Randall was an amazing guy and dedicated to his children," Cooper's sisters told CBS 6.
Cooper, who grew up in Henrico County, had three children who ranged in age from 11 years to 11 months, they said.
They said their brother and his co-worker Eric were driving home from a job site when the truck crashed.
"[Randall's] life was dedicated to loving and providing for his boys, and his absence leaves a profound void in their lives," a message on a GoFundMe page set up to help the family read.
Eric Upshaw was a father of two, his mother told CBS 6.
"My son was a beautiful soul who loved life," Deborah Upshaw said about her only child. "He loved his family tremendously. His smile would brighten any room he walked in. He was always willing to help anyone."
The Upshaw family set up an account with Virginia Credit Union to help provide for Eric's children.
"In honor of Eric's memory and to support his children Erykah and Elijah during this difficult time, we invite you to contribute to a memorial fund dedicated to their ongoing care and well-being," his mother shared. "Your generous donations, regardless of the amount, will make a genuine difference in their lives, ensuring that they feel the love and support of those who knew and cherished Eric."
You can contribute in the following ways:
- Cash App: Send to their grandmother, Deborah Upshaw at $dtu1231
- Check: Write a check payable to Erykah or Elijah Upshaw
- Deposit: Make a deposit at the Virginia Credit Union (Member Number: 4471643)
"Together, we can ensure that Eric's memory lives on forever," she said.
Memorial services have not yet been finalized.
Virginia State Police said the investigation into the crash remained ongoing.
Send your thoughts and condolences to the CBS 6 Newsroom.
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