Drunk Driver Kills Passenger in Rockbridge County, Virginia | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

A 21-year-old allegedly caused a fatal crash while driving drunk on Short Hill Road, near Route 608 in Rockbridge County, Virginia (VA). James Darick Blankenship lost control of his vehicle, and the Jeep rolled over into a creek.


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One passenger, James Monteith, was pronounced dead at the scene, and a second passenger, Charles Floyd, was taken to a local hospital with injuries. Blankenship has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. Court records indicate he may have had previous charges stemming from improper driving.

Relatives of the deceased victim face the difficult challenge of dealing with their grief and moving forward. They may wish to contact a Virginia wrongful death attorney to discuss what rights they have to file a claim for compensation.

MH