Candace Keith Obituary – Wytheville Woman Killed in Interstate 77 Crash in Carroll County

The Wytheville, Virginia, community is mourning the tragic loss of Candace M. Keith, 37, who was killed in a devastating crash on Interstate 77 in Carroll County. Family members, friends, and loved ones are remembering her following the fatal incident, which also left another pedestrian and a motorist seriously injured. As those closest to Candace grieve her untimely passing, the Virginia State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

According to the Virginia State Police, the collision occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, on Interstate 77 southbound near the 11-mile marker in Carroll County. Investigators determined that the incident began when a Ford F-150 traveling south struck a deer on the interstate. After the impact, the pickup became disabled and remained in the left travel lane. The occupants of the truck, including Candace Keith and Jonathan Cudo, exited the vehicle and moved into the highway median to await assistance.

As the two individuals stood in the median, a 2021 Toyota Sienna traveling southbound approached the disabled pickup. State police said the driver, Lee E. Gaddies, 60, of Charlotte, North Carolina, lost control of the minivan while approaching the stopped vehicle. The Toyota left the roadway, entered the median, and struck both Candace Keith and Jonathan Cudo. The violent impact resulted in catastrophic injuries.

Emergency responders, including Virginia State Police, local firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, arrived quickly at the scene and immediately began rendering aid. Despite their efforts, Candace Keith was pronounced dead at the scene. Jonathan Cudo, 36, of Wirtz, Virginia, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver of the Toyota Sienna also suffered serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital.

Following its preliminary investigation, Virginia State Police charged Lee E. Gaddies with reckless driving. Authorities have not announced whether additional charges may be filed, noting that the investigation remains active. Troopers continue to examine the crash scene, review physical evidence, and determine all factors that contributed to the collision.

The tragic sequence of events underscores how quickly roadside emergencies can become life-threatening. What began as a collision with a deer escalated into a fatal chain of events after the occupants exited their disabled vehicle and sought safety in the median. Investigators have not indicated that Candace Keith or Jonathan Cudo acted improperly; instead, the focus remains on reconstructing the crash and determining how the Toyota lost control before entering the median.

News of Candace Keith’s death has deeply affected the Wytheville community. Friends and loved ones have expressed their sorrow and shared tributes honoring her life, remembering her for her kindness, compassion, and the positive impact she made on those around her. Although few personal details have been released publicly, those who knew her describe her as someone whose presence will be greatly missed.

The crash also serves as a reminder of the dangers motorists can face following wildlife collisions. Law enforcement officials encourage drivers involved in similar incidents to activate hazard lights, call emergency services, and exercise extreme caution when exiting their vehicles, particularly on high-speed interstate highways where visibility may be limited.

As the investigation continues, Candace Keith’s family is focused on celebrating her life and cherishing the memories they shared with her. Funeral and memorial service arrangements are expected to be announced by her loved ones at a later date.

Virginia State Police continue to investigate the fatal crash and ask anyone with information that could assist investigators to come forward. Meanwhile, the Wytheville community joins Candace Keith’s family in mourning the loss of a woman whose life ended far too soon, remembering her with love, gratitude, and lasting respect.