Physician and Halifax Co. native killed in Franklin Co. crash

November 12, 2020

Local News

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – A Halifax County native and Roanoke-area physician was killed Wednesday morning in a multi-vehicle wreck in Franklin County. Michael Priest, who grew up in Halifax County, was involved in an accident Wednesday morning.

Virginia State Police reported one person died in the mishap, which occurred in the 4100 block of Brooks Mill Road in Franklin County.

Virginia State Police Trooper J.T. Haynes said the three-vehicle crash occurred at 7:35 a.m. Wednesday on Brooks Mill Road, approximately 4 miles north of Route 40.

A box truck was traveling south on Brooks Mill Road when it sideswiped a southbound 2016 Chevrolet Silverado. The Silverado then spun out and struck a southbound 2011 Lexus RX350. The box truck continued southbound, crossed the centerline and struck head-on a northbound 2008 Honda Civic.

The driver of the Honda Civic, Michael B. Priest, 37, of Huddleston, Va., died at the scene.

According to the South Boston News and Record, Priest was the son of South Boston dentist and oral surgeon, Dr. James Priest. He lived in the Franklin County area and worked as a physician for Roanoke-based Carillion Clinic, where he treated patients at VelocityCare urgent care centers in Christiansburg and Blacksburg. Dr. Priest earned his M.D. at St. George’s University.