The communities of Chilhowie and Glade Spring were left in shock after 44‑year‑old Albert J. Stanton, a lifelong resident of Chilhowie, died from injuries sustained in a propane truck crash on March 16, 2026.
Stanton had been working his delivery route when the single‑vehicle collision occurred, a tragedy that deeply affected those who knew him. The crash happened just before 8 a.m. in the 8000 block of Crescent Road in Glade Spring, a rural stretch of Washington County where Stanton’s vehicle left the roadway and overturned.
According to Virginia State Police, Stanton was driving a propane hauler carrying between 1,500 and 2,000 gallons of propane when the truck veered off the right side of the road. The vehicle struck a power pole before overturning, causing significant structural damage to the truck and trapping Stanton inside. Emergency crews responded quickly, but the severity of the crash required an extended extrication to remove him from the wreckage.
Once freed, Stanton was transported to Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed that no other motorists were involved in the crash, and despite the truck striking a power line, no widespread outages were reported in the area. The scene remained active for several hours as crews worked to secure the propane load and restore the damaged utility infrastructure.
A preliminary report from Virginia State Police indicated that the truck’s path off the roadway led directly to the collision with the power pole and subsequent rollover. The crash was classified as a single‑vehicle incident, and investigators found no immediate evidence of mechanical failure or outside interference. The roadway was temporarily closed while emergency responders and utility crews worked to stabilize the area and ensure public safety.
Stanton’s death has deeply affected the communities of Chilhowie and Glade Spring, where he was widely known and respected. Friends, coworkers, and neighbors expressed grief at the sudden loss, remembering him as a dedicated worker and a valued member of the community. His passing has also highlighted the risks faced by drivers who operate heavy commercial vehicles on rural routes.
The investigation remains ongoing as Virginia State Police continue to review all factors surrounding the crash. Authorities are expected to release additional findings once the full analysis is complete, but early reports confirm that Stanton’s death resulted directly from the injuries sustained in the rollover. The tragedy has left a lasting impact on those who knew him and on the region he served.