VSP: Driver ejected, killed in Augusta County crash

CHURCHVILLE — Virginia State Police said an Augusta County woman was killed Wednesday night after crashing her SUV in Churchville.

Authorities said the crash took place at about 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Stribling Springs Road and Stover Shop Road. A Chevrolet Suburban was headed south on Stribling Springs Road when it ran off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment, and then hit a tree before overturning, police said.

The driver, Martha N. Root, 41, of Mount Solon, was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the SUV. She died at the scene.

Speed is being investigated as a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation, according to Virginia State Police.

Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com. You can also follow him on X (formerly Twitter).