Wreck claims Chilhowie man’s life

A Chilhowie man died Thursday after a single-vehicle wreck Wednesday.
Virginia State Police Sgt. Michael Conroy said William Parker St. John Jr., 69, was driving a 2007 Chevrolet pickup on Route 660 .1 miles west of Route 600 when he ran off the road to the right and struck a tree about 8:15 a.m. New Year’s Eve.
“The vehicle was totaled and he was transported to Smyth County Community Hospital with serious injuries,” Conroy said.
Friends of St. John said he died around 5:15 p.m. New Year’s Day in Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport.
The accident was investigated by VSP Trooper R.D. Collins, Conroy said.