The Richmond community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 75-year-old Harry Laverty of Richmond, Virginia, who tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash while crossing East Main Street near North 21st Street on Friday morning. His death has left sadness in the community as family members, friends, and those who knew him reflect on his life and remember the 75 years he spent as part of their lives. The driver involved, identified by police as 47-year-old John Mcsparren of North Chesterfield, was later arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run in connection with the fatal collision.

According to the Richmond Police Department, the tragic crash happened at approximately 10:17 a.m. when Laverty was crossing East Main Street near North 21st Street. During the incident, he was struck by a vehicle, leaving him unresponsive in the roadway.

Officers responded to the scene after receiving reports of the collision. When they arrived, they found Laverty lying unresponsive in the roadway and immediately began responding to the serious situation.

He was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel pronounced him deceased. Despite being taken for medical treatment, the injuries he sustained in the collision proved fatal.

What made the tragedy particularly distressing was that the driver involved reportedly left the scene before officers arrived. Rather than remaining at the location following the collision, the driver fled, prompting a hit-and-run investigation by Richmond police.

Following the crash, the Richmond Police Department’s Crash Team took responsibility for investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators worked to establish what happened and identify the person responsible for the vehicle involved.

Through their investigation, authorities reviewed surveillance footage obtained from nearby businesses and used additional investigative techniques to identify the driver as John Mcsparren, 47, of North Chesterfield, Virginia.

McSparren was subsequently arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run in connection with Laverty’s death, according to the Richmond Police Department.

The department also expressed appreciation to members of the public who came forward with information that helped investigators make progress in the case.

In a statement, Richmond police thanked everyone who assisted with the investigation, acknowledging the important role that information provided by community members played in helping authorities identify the driver.

As the investigation continues, Laverty’s death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences that pedestrian collisions can have on individuals, families, and entire communities. For those who loved him, his passing represents a painful loss that cannot be measured simply by the circumstances surrounding the crash.

At 75 years old, Harry Laverty deserved to enjoy the years ahead surrounded by the people and experiences that mattered to him. Instead, his life came to a tragic end following a collision that has now become the subject of a criminal investigation.

Family members, friends, and loved ones are left to remember him and cope with the difficult reality of his sudden passing. While the circumstances of the tragedy may remain painful, the memories shared with Harry Laverty will continue to hold meaning for those whose lives he touched.

Police Seeking Additional Information

The Richmond Police Department is asking anyone who may have additional information about the fatal hit-and-run collision to come forward and assist investigators.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact RPD Crash Team Investigator T. Harrell at (804) 709-4057 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

As the community reflects on the loss of Harry Laverty, thoughts remain with his family, friends, and everyone grieving his passing. May his memory live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.