Woman killed last Wednesday in multi-vehicle crash on I-81 in Pulaski County

Virginia State Police is investigating multi-vehicle crashes that occurred Wednesday (Oct. 21, 2026) at 5:35 a.m. on Interstate 81 northbound at the 95-mile marker in Pulaski County.

 

The preliminary investigation indicates a Volkswagen Passat struck a deer on Interstate 81, then ran off of the left side of the interstate and struck the guardrail.  The Passat then came to a rest in the roadway, where it was struck by a Honda Ridgeline.  A Freightliner tractor trailer then came to an abrupt stop to avoid colliding with the Passat.

 

After the abrupt stop, a crash occurred involving the Freightliner, a Ford F-250, a Ford Ranger, and a Ford Explorer.

 

Following the crashes, the driver of the Passat, Kaine M. Danieley, 29, of Bluefield, Va., was located deceased approximately 40 feet below the Interstate 81 bridge.  The preliminary investigation indicates Danieley likely jumped to avoid a possible collision.

 

The driver of F-250, Randall D. Johnson, Sr., 69, of Draper, Va., suffered injuries and was transported to an area hospital.  Johnson was charged with following too closely.

No other drivers suffered apparent injuries.

 

The crashes remain under investigation.