Two drivers have been charged with traffic violations in a May 2023 crash that killed a VCU student

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Two drivers have been charged in connection with a 2023 crash that killed a Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) student as he walked on the university’s campus.

According to Commonwealth’s Attorney Collette McEachin, two drivers have been charged with traffic violations related to the May 2023 crash on West Main Street killed 26-year-old VCU student Shawn Soares.

One driver was charged with speeding and the other driver was charged with making an incorrect turn. According to McEachin, these charges are not criminal charges because there was no evidence of reckless driving, drunk driving or any other criminal activity that resulted in Soares’ death.

Shortly before 6:45 p.m. on May 4, 2023, Richmond Police Department officers were called to the 300 block of West Main Street for a reported “injury collision.”

According to police at the time, two vehicles were traveling westbound on West Main Street when a collision occurred, causing one of the vehicles to leave the roadway. The vehicle then struck a pole and a male pedestrian, identified as Soares, and continued into a building.

According to authorities, Soares died from his injuries at the scene of the accident.