A three-vehicle accident Saturday evening in Madison County has claimed the life of a beloved Brightwood resident and Dogwood Village employee.
According to Virginia State Police, the three-vehicle crash occurred Saturday, Feb. 22 at 6:20 p.m. on Rt. 15, S. James Madison Highway, three-tenths of a mile north of Rt. 671, Forest Drive. A 2015 Hyundai Elantra was traveling north on Rt. 15 when it abruptly slowed and was rear-ended by a northbound 2015 Toyota Camry. The impact caused the Hyundai to cross the centerline and collide head-on with a southbound 2021 Subaru Crosstrek.
The driver of the Hyundai, Erica L. Collier, 27, of Brightwood suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to UVa Health University Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. She was not wearing a seatbelt.
The driver of the Toyota, Matthew J. Goins, 20, of Gordonsville, suffered minor injuries in the crash and was treated at the scene. He was wearing a seatbelt and has been charged with following too closely.
The driver of the Subaru, a 16-year-old female from Fairfax, suffered minor injuries, but refused treatment at the scene. She was wearing a seatbelt.
As of Monday evening, family and friends of Collier were flooding social media with memories of their time with her. She was described as a beloved colleague and friend at Dogwood Village where she worked, as well as a daughter, mother of three and a fiancee.
“Erica was not only a skilled and compassionate caregiver, but also a cherished part of our family here at Dogwood Village,” a company official posted. “Her kindness, dedication and unwavering commitment to our residents touched so many lives and we will deeply feel her absence. During her time at Dogwood Village, Erica embodied the true spirit of caregiving–always going above and beyond to provide comfort, dignity and love to those in her care. Her presence brought warmth to our halls and her impact on our residents, their families and our staff will never be forgotten.”
A GoFundMe account has been created for Collier’s family. Donations can be made online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-erica-colliers-family-in-their-time-of-loss or mailed to Dogwood Village, Attn: Erica Collier Donation, 120 Dogwood Lane, Orange VA 22960.
The crash remains under investigation. Rt. 15, between Zions Crossroads and Culpeper, has been the site of several fatalities within the past year.
