A crash on U.S. 29 last week claimed the life of longtime Madison County Volunteer Fire Company Chaplain Hunter Weaver.
According to updated information from the Virginia State Police, a two-vehicle crash occurred at 3:27 p.m. May 27 on U.S. 29-Seminole Trail in Madison County. A 2018 Subaru Crosstrek was heading northbound when it was unable to avoid striking a 2009 Kawasaki 400-A-ATV. The ATV was attempting to cross U.S. 29 from a driveway to the median crossover. The collision occurred a half-mile north of Estes Lane. Weaver, the driver of the ATV, was ejected and died at the scene. The driver of the Subaru suffered minor injuries and was not transported. The crash remains under investigation.
Weaver, 83, was well known in the county. He joined the volunteer fire company in 1962 and served as chaplain from Jan. 1, 1979 to December 2024.
“For over 60 years, Hunter was a steady and comforting presence within our fire company family,” MVFC officials said in a statement posted to social media. “He prayed with us in difficult moments, celebrated alongside us in joyful ones, and offered strength, guidance, kindness, and encouragement through every season of life. His compassion, faith, and genuine care for others touched countless members, officers, families, and friends of our department, and our community at-large. Hunter’s impact on this company cannot truly be measured. He was deeply loved, greatly respected, and will be sincerely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him.”
In addition to serving in the volunteer fire company and being a charter and life member of the Madison County Rescue Squad, Weaver spent his time farming and was the fifth generation to do so at Twelve Springs Farm. He was active in the young farmers association and the Madison County Fair. He served along with his wife, Joan, as the king and queen of the fair in 2023. He also served the Mountaineers for 47 years as a member of the “chain gang” at football games.
Wolftown Equestrian said Weaver was a “special friend, one of the kindest welcoming individuals and an outstanding pillar of the Madison Community.”
Weaver is survived by his wife of 59 years, two children and several grandchildren.
A service was held June 1 at Fairview Christian Church where Weaver was a deacon and member.
