EMPORIA, Va. (WAVY) — A Virginia Beach family’s celebration turned into tragedy Nov. 8 when a trip home from a U.S. Marine Corps graduation ended in a fatal crash in Emporia, leaving the St. John family in grief and financial hardship.
An 18-wheeler cut off their vehicle, leading to a crash that claimed the life of Bruce St. John, a disabled veteran and beloved father, and injured three of his sons.
According to the Emporia police department, 27-year-old Barret Moss-Johnson, the driver of the 18-wheeler, has been charged with reckless driving, and more charges are pending.
Bruce St. John, 47, was returning home with his family after attending his son Brett’s Marine Corps graduation at Parris Island in South Carolina. The crash left Bruce’s son Brenden, 18, in critical condition. Brenden was airlifted to the VCU Trauma Center in Richmond, where he awaits the first of many surgeries.
The St. John family is facing an overwhelming financial burden as they try to cope with Bruce’s funeral costs and Brenden’s ongoing medical expenses. To help ease this burden, Tracee Ransom, a family friend, has organized a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the family’s immediate needs.
Bruce’s other sons, Blake, 15, and Bradley, 18, were also injured in the crash and were hospitalized. They have since been released, though they continue to need follow-up care as they recover. Brett, who was driving in a nearby vehicle and witnessed the crash, was not injured but now carries the weight of supporting his grieving family.
The tragedy has left a lasting impact on the St. John family and the community, who remember Bruce as a man of dedication and love.