Route 7 Crash Left Bristow Driver Dead, Passenger Injured On July 4: Police

BLUEMONT, VA — An 87-year-old man from Bristow died on July 4 of injuries he suffered in a crash on Route 7 near Bluemont, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said. A passenger in his car was also injured.

Authorities identified the deceased driver as Robert Gogal. The sheriff's office said he was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital after the crash.

A passenger in Gogal's car received treatment at a hospital for serious injuries. Authorities did not provide any details about the age or identity of the injured passenger.

The crash occurred around 12:45 p.m. on July 4, according to the police report. Investigators believe that Gogal's Toyota Avalon entered the path of a Hyundai Santa Fe, which led to the crash. The sheriff's office did not note any injuries suffered by the driver of the Hyundai.

The crash is still under investigation, police said.

The crash in Bluemont was one of several fatal crashes around Virginia throughout the July 4 holiday weekend. Virginia State Police reported that nine people died as a result of traffic crash over the weekend.

2022's July 4 weekend was still less deadly than 2021, when 12 people died in crashes over the July 4 holiday.

Colonel Gary Settle is the superintendent for Virginia State Police. “As encouraging as it is to see fewer traffic deaths this July 4 holiday weekend compared to last year, Virginians still cannot let their guard down when it comes to traffic safety,” Settle said in a news release on Tuesday. “As of today, Virginia has already recorded 423 traffic deaths statewide, and we’re only halfway through 2022 and the summer months."

Virginia state troopers were active on highways over the holiday weekend. Officials said troopers arrested 69 drivers accused of drunken driving and issued more than 4,000 speeding citations and 1,500 reckless driving citations.

"I cannot stress enough the need for drivers to slow their speed, wear a seat belt, drive distraction free, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs," Settle said. "Simply drive to save lives.”