Local Government
Front Royal man dies in motorcycle accident, Luray man dies in Page County DUI crash
Warren County was the scene of one of eight fatal vehicle accidents state-wide on Saturday, Sept. 23, according to Virginia State Police.
A Front Royal man died in a motorcycle crash in Warren County Saturday (Sept. 23) evening. The crash occurred at 7:23 p.m., on Route 340, near Snake Road, according to the Virginia State Police.
Charles D. Ford, 50, was traveling south on Route 340 when his Harley-Davidson motorcycle ran off the left side of the highway, into a ditch and struck an embankment, according to a media release by VSP Pubic Relations Director Corrine Geller.
She said the driver, who was wearing a helmet, died at the scene.
Speed was a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation by Trooper M.A. Lawson.
Ms. Geller said this incident was one of eight reported fatal crashes responded to and investigated across the Commonwealth on Saturday, Sept. 23 and the second fatal crash involving a motorcycle in the state on Saturday.
In Page County, a fatal crash occurred at 9:51 p.m., on Saturday on Mockingbird Lane.
A 2002 Ford Explorer was traveling west on Mockingbird Lane when it ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree.
The driver, Matthew R. Stark, 24, of Luray, was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. He was not wearing a seat belt.
His passenger, Christopher E. Stark, 26, of Luray, was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. He died from his injuries en route to Winchester Medical Center.
Matthew Stark was arrested for DUI.
Virginia State Police Master Trooper M.L. Mitchell responded to the crash and is investigating the accident.
Ms. Geller stated in the release that the VSP encourages every Virginian to take traffic safety seriously and #DrivetoSaveLives by:
- Buckling Up
- Complying with Speed Limits
- Never Driving Distracted
- Never Driving Impaired by Alcohol, Illegal Drugs or Medication
- Sharing the Road Responsibly with other Vehicles and Pedestrians
Sanders “Ray” Rowe (1940 – 2026)
Virginia State Police Report $8.5 Million in Drug Seizures During Weekly Operations
Front Royal Lifts Voluntary Water Conservation Restrictions After Recent Rainfall
Virginia Health Department Improves Nursing Home Inspection Backlog, Reforms Sanction Criteria for Facilities
After Eastern Groundwater Report Detailed Aquifer Concerns, Virginia Lawmakers Consider Policy Shifts
Rachel Judith Brandon Sears (1944 – 2026)
Ingrid Jolly (1944 – 2026)
Royal Shine Builds on Detailing Legacy With New Name, Same Focus on Quality
Business Growth Series: Overthinking Is Slowing Your Business Down
Feds’ Proposal to Alter Head Start Could ‘Dismantle’ Program in Virginia, Parents and Advocates Say
Freedom 250 Grand Prix Brings First INDYCAR Race to National Mall
Judge Affirms Ruling in Favor of Former Felons in Voting Rights Lawsuit
ORDER OF PUBLICATION: In the Circuit Court for Warren County, Virginia
Coolidge on Education and Careers
Gourmet Halloumi Burgers Bring Bold Flavor to the Summer Table
Warren County Supervisor Charged With Assault and Battery Following Meeting
Town Planning Commission Recommends Changes to Zoning & Deputy Zoning Administrators Appointment Processes
Supervisor Henry’s Conduct During and Following the August 18, 2026 Board Meeting
Ruby E. Fristoe (1937 – 2026)
USDA Advances Roadless Rule Repeal; Advocates, Lawmakers Say It Puts 400,000 Acres in Virginia At Risk
Violent Crime in US Fell at Record Pace in 2025
Simple Ways to Find More Inner Peace
Number of Retiring U.S. Senators Ranks Among Top 5
DATA Centers Future Here, Changes in Zoning Text Amendment Procedures, and a Little Post-Meeting Drama for One Supervisor
