A Vienna family is in mourning after the father was killed in a vehicle crash on I-95 this past Saturday (Sept. 6).
Contracted by the Virginia Department of Transportation as a Safety Service Patrol member, Michael C. Freeland, 48, was helping the driver of a disabled Audi when the driver of a Chrysler 300 sedan “lost control, crossed all lanes of travel, and struck both the patroller and the Audi driver,” the Virginia State Police said.
According to the police, the crash occurred around 7:58 p.m. in the northbound lanes of the interstate at the 151-mile marker, which is near Dumfries in Prince William County.
Freeland was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The Audi driver also experienced “serious, but non-life-threatening injuries,” the VSP said.
“Charges are pending consultation with the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office,” the VSP said this morning (Wednesday). “The crash remains under investigation.”
A native of Fairfax, where he was born on May 3, 1977, Freeland graduated from Fauquier High School in Warrenton and later established a home in Vienna with his partner, Stephanie, and their three children, according to an online obituary.
“Chad was the heart of the family — a devoted father, a loving partner, and the embodiment of kindness,” the obituary said. “He greeted everyone with a warm smile and had a laugh that could light up any room. To those around him, Chad was a source of comfort and joy, always ready to lift spirits, even those of strangers.”
Freeland’s commitment to helping others extended to his career with VDOT’s Safety Service Patrol, which is provided by the infrastructure consultant AECOM.
Covering approximately 1,062 miles of interstate across Virginia, the patrol’s responsibilities include managing traffic, supporting first responders during emergency incidents and assisting individual drivers in need.
“On behalf of our family, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the officers and staff of the VDOT Safety Service Patrol,” the obituary said. “Your steadfast support and friendship meant so much to Chad and continues to comfort us during this incredibly difficult time.”
While it declined to comment on the crash, given that it’s still under active criminal investigation, VDOT expressed condolences to Freeland’s family and noted that his work as a Safety Service Patrol crew member was “a critical part of our agency’s mission to keep our roadways safe and moving for all.”
“We have all been deeply impacted and are mourning this tragic loss of a teammate,” VDOT said in a statement. “In Mr. Freeland’s honor, it is imperative to remind and emphasize the need for all motorists to drive with caution and care on our roadways, especially so when our first responders and Safety Service Patrol members are working diligently along the roadways to assist others.”
A Celebration of Life service for Freeland will be held this Saturday, Sept. 13 from 2-6 p.m. at the Demaine Funeral Home (10565 Main Street) in Fairfax City. His burial will follow on a later date.
