MATHEWS COUNTY, VA — A Virginia snowball stand has announced it is closing for good after one of its trailers detached from a truck and caused a deadly crash in Mathews County. TURBOs Snowballs, based in King William County, said on social media that the incident happened while workers were on their way to work Saturday. Virginia State Police said the trailer struck another vehicle near New Point Comfort Highway around 1:13 p.m. on Aug. 1. A woman later identified by police as 71-year-old Elizabeth Bush was killed at the scene.
Company Says It Is Shutting Down
TURBOs Snowballs posted that the business had made the “incredibly difficult decision” to permanently close after the crash. In its statement, the company said its trailer broke off the truck and that the outcome was tragic. The stand also said it was heartbroken by the loss and asked people to keep the victim’s family in their prayers. The business shared the message on Saturday, then followed with another social media post on Sunday expressing sympathy for the family and loved ones affected by the death. The company did not provide additional details about future operations beyond the closure announcement.
Police Describe The Crash
State police said a preliminary investigation found that a trailer being towed by a 2023 Chevrolet 2500 became disconnected from the truck. Investigators said the trailer then struck a 2002 Ford F-250 driven by an adult woman. Police said the woman suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. Her identity was initially withheld until next of kin could be notified, and state police later identified her as Elizabeth Bush. The crash happened near New Point Comfort Highway in Mathews County, and police have said the investigation remains ongoing.
Driver Faces Charges
The driver of the Chevrolet, 61-year-old Donald Turbin of King William, was not hurt in the crash, according to Virginia State Police. Investigators charged Turbin with operating an uninspected trailer and failing to secure the load. Those charges came after the preliminary findings showed the trailer separated from the truck before the collision. Police have not said whether any additional charges are expected. The case remains under investigation as officials continue to review the circumstances that led to the fatal wreck.
Community Left Mourning
The crash has left a local business and a family dealing with sudden loss. TURBOs Snowballs said the incident caused “an unimaginable amount of heartbreak” and reiterated condolences for the woman who died and her loved ones. The company’s announcement means the snowball stand will not reopen after the fatal wreck. For now, the focus remains on the investigation and on the family of Elizabeth Bush. Virginia State Police have not released any further public updates beyond the charges and the identification of the victim.
