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Lunenburg Saddened and Shocked By Highway Accident

   Written by on April 7, 2021 at 1:46 pm

LANCASTER COUNTY – An accident last week in Lancaster County shocked and saddened many Lunenburg County residents as Michael (Mike) Paynter was killed in a highway project accident.

According to Virginia State Police, troopers responded to a call at 1:55 p.m. on Wednesday (Mar. 31) for an accident involving a pedestrian in the 1700 block of Weems Road.   

The northbound lane of Weems Road was blocked for a highway project.  The 58-year- old Paynter, of Blackstone, Va., was standing in the work zone when he was struck by a 2007 International truck that was backing up. Paynter, as well as the truck and driver, were part of the work zone crew.

Paynter was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Virginia State Police officials noted that an investigation is ongoing.

While Paynter was a Blackstone resident, his family has been a big part of Lunenburg County where his children attended school and wife was an educator for many years. He has been a coach for Lunenburg County Dixie and Babe Ruth leagues in Lunenburg and supported local athletics through the years. The 1985 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University played college baseball and was quick to offer help and information to area players. He was also an avid outdoorsman and hunter who built many friendships in Lunenburg.

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