On January 5, 2026, Thomas Wiley, a cherished Virginia Beach local, passed away as a result of a deadly occurrence. The 39-year-old was killed in a catastrophic two-vehicle crash that occurred inside the eastbound lanes of Interstate 64’s Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, a vital underwater route that connects Hampton and Norfolk.
The sequence commenced shortly before 2:40 a.m. when Mr. Wiley’s grey Nissan Altima experienced a tire failure, becoming immobilized within the eastbound tunnel. The disabled vehicle presented a stationary obstruction in the confined, dimly lit passage.
A red Acura MDX, operated by Torro Huggins, thirty-six, of Newport News, subsequently approached at a high velocity and collided with the rear of the stationary Altima. The force of the impact ejected Mr. Wiley from his automobile, causing injuries from which he died at the location. Emergency personnel from the Virginia State Police and local agencies responded promptly but were unable to effect a rescue.
Mr. Huggins sustained significant injuries and was transported to a medical facility for treatment. Examination of the scene indicated the collision’s severity, with wreckage distributed across the travel lanes. Investigators cited excessive speed as a primary factor, noting the tunnel’s restricted space allowed no opportunity for avoidance.
The accident necessitated the complete closure of the bridge-tunnel in both directions for multiple hours, causing extensive regional travel disruption until eastbound traffic resumed after 6:00 a.m. The inquiry remains active, with officials evaluating roadway state, vehicular condition, and driver conduct.
The Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is consulted regarding possible charges against the Acura driver, which may include reckless driving or related offenses, while investigators continue to look at elements like road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and driver behavior.
