RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — It has been one year since a tragic car accident claimed the life of a 17-year-old Huguenot High School student on Semmes Avenue, a road known for chronic speeding and crashes.
The incident occurred at around 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 26, when Richmond Police Department officers responded to a crash at the intersection of West 22nd Street and Semmes Avenue. Josie Cox, a passenger in one of the cars involved, lost her life in the accident.
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A juvenile male was later charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving, and driving without a license in connection to the crash.
Cox was one of 14 individuals who lost their lives in car crashes across Virginia during the weekend after Thanksgiving. In memory of Cox, the 500 and 600 blocks of West 22nd Street have been designated as “Josie S. Cox Way.”
Nearly a year later, a memorial with flowers and a cross still stands at the intersection of West 22nd Street and Semmes Avenue, serving as a reminder of the tragedy that occurred. Despite recent improvements such as additional traffic beacons and improved signal visibility, residents still consider Semmes Avenue a dangerous road.
Ray Buckner, a long-time resident of Richmond, expressed concerns over drivers exceeding the posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour. Buckner emphasized the importance of drivers considering the consequences of their actions and being mindful of others on the road.
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Efforts to address speeding on Semmes Avenue have been recognized as a top priority according to a survey conducted by Richmond Connects, focusing on pedestrian safety. Speed cameras have also been recently installed on Semmes Avenue in front of the Patrick Henry School of Science & Arts, approximately 12 blocks from where Cox tragically lost her life. These measures aim to curb speeding and enhance safety in the area.
As the community remembers the life of Josie Cox and reflects on the dangers of Semmes Avenue, residents and authorities continue to work towards creating safer roads and raising awareness about the importance of responsible driving.
