Virgil Smith Killed in Chico Car Accident on Highway 44 at Silver Bridge Road

Virgil Smith Killed in Car Accident on Highway 44 at Silver Bridge Road in Chico

Chico, California (December 31, 2022) – 81-year-old Virgil Smith of Troy, Montana, was killed in a car crash on Wednesday afternoon in Chico.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident happened on Highway 44 at the Silver Bridge Road intersection.

Smith was driving north on Silver Bridge Road in a 2000 Toyota Solara when he collided with a 2011 Jeep Cherokee traveling east on Highway 44.

Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Jeep, Arthur Howatt, 71, and his passenger, Lori Howatt, were taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.

More details about the accident were not released.

An investigation into the accident is underway.