Tennessee man dies in rear-end collision with semi-trailer on I-81S in Roanoke County

SALEM, Va. (WFXR) – Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred June 28 on Interstate 81 in Roanoke County.

According to VSP, 67-year-old Jerry Mailhoit Sr. of Crossville, Tennessee, was driving a 1998 International 4700 southbound on I-81 around 4:25 p.m. Friday when he struck a 2022 Freightliner semi-trailer near the 133-mile marker.

Mr. Mailhoit was flown by helicopter to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the Freightliner was not injured.

According to VSP, the investigation is still ongoing; however, he was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.