Family grieves after fatal I-95 accident

http://www.nbc12.com/story/18818464/family-grieves-after-fatal-i-95-accident

"His kids were his life". Those words today from a grieving mother after a family outing gone horribly wrong.

Over the weekend, 35-year-old Steven Ridley died in an accident while fixing a tire along Interstate 95.

His mother talked about her son's love of life, his family, and his legacy.

Eunice Ridley said they're doing their best. Her son and his two children were on their way to race go-carts in Petersburg when the accident happened.

Mrs. Ridley remembers her son as someone who would do anything for his family.

"As a mother, he was my perfect son," said Eunice Ridley.

He was her only son. Saturday afternoon, Steven Ridley was changing a flat tire on the shoulder of I-95 in Chesterfield County. The driver of a U-Haul truck towing a trailer ran off the road, hit and killed Ridley instantly. His 14-year-old son was standing there and saw everything.

"Oh his son, he's really having a difficult time," said his cousin, Joanne Harrison.

Ridley's nine-year-old daughter was in the car. The children were not hurt, but they are having a tough time coping with the loss of their dad.

"They're not doing okay," Mrs. Ridley noted. "They saw the whole thing so they're re-living that."

They're receiving loving support from relatives. Ridley said her son adored his two kids, and his friends loved him dearly. His old high school friend paid his respects Monday.

"He said he was the best friend any person could ask for," Eunice Ridley added.

She said Steven was also a hard worker at Sprint, served in England and Japan in the navy, and was earning his Marine engineering degree at J Sargeant Reynolds.

"As a mother, I couldn't ask for a better son," Eunice Ridley said. "I'm just so very proud of him."

Despite Saturday's tragedy, Ridley's fond memories of her only son will help her get through this tough time.

Ridley's mom said his children are with family and they will be getting special attention to help them cope with the loss of their father.

The family plans to have his funeral Friday. The driver of the U-Haul, Robert Krill, of Pennsylvania has been charged with reckless driving.

State Police are still investigating the accident. It could be at least another month until we know further details.

Family Remembers Son Killed In I-95 Wreck

CHESTERFIELD, VA—The family of the Richmond man killed in Saturday's fatal wreck on I-95 is speaking out, remembering their son.

 "As a mother, I couldn't ask for a better son," said the victim's mother, Eunice Ridley.  "He was my only son, and he was taken away way too soon."

Steven Ridley, 35, of Richmond, was killed Saturday when he was struck by a U-Haul.

Police said Ridley was on the side of the road attempting to change a flat tire, when the driver of a U-Haul traveling on I-95 lost control of the vehicle and struck Ridley and his car.

The man's family said he and his two children were on their way to celebrate Father's Day, when the accident occurred.

"That was his life; his children were his life," said Ridley's mother.

Ridley's nine-year-old daughter was inside the Chrysler 300 when the vehicle was struck. She suffered minor injuries and was treated at VCU Medical Center, according to authorities.

Ridley's 14-year-old son was helping change the tire at the time of the accident, but was not injured, police said.

"I know he's in a good place, but my heart really goes out to his kids. Plus, he was an excellent father," said Joanne Harrsion, Steven Ridley's cousin,

The driver of the U-Haul, Robert M. Krill, 62, of North Hampton, Pennsylvania, suffered serious, non-life threatening injuries during the wreck and was treated at VCU Medial Center, according to police.

Krill has been charged with reckless driving and could face additional charges, according to authorities.

All lanes of I-95 south were closed at Willis Rd. following the accident. The closures last more than four hours as crews worked to clear the scene. 

The Virginia State Police Accident Reconstruction Team is assisting with the on-going investigation.