💔 Teen Killed in Alleged DUI Hit-and-Run After Missing Bus Home in Henrico County

A tragic incident in Henrico County, Virginia, has left a family and community in deep mourning after 16-year-old Joshua Driver was killed in what police describe as an alleged DUI hit-and-run while he was walking home late Saturday night.

Authorities say the crash occurred around 3 a.m. near a construction zone along West Broad Street. Emergency responders were called to the area following reports of a possible pedestrian collision. Joshua’s body was later discovered in a grᴀssy area beside the roadway, approximately three hours after the incident. He was pronounced ᴅᴇᴀᴅ at the scene.

Investigators have charged 41-year-old John Daniel Bruehl with driving under the influence and hit-and-run in connection with Joshua’s death. Officials report that the driver fled the scene immediately after the collision, leaving the teen without aid.

Family members say Joshua had spent the evening with his brother at a local Arby’s restaurant. After missing his bus home from the Willow Lawn area, he began walking, a routine he was familiar with due to his independence and love of exploring the city.

His mother, Sharon Driver, expressed her grief and disbelief at the loss, struggling to understand the moments leading up to the tragedy. “This man just hit him and ran away,” she said. “How can he do that to my son? I feel like he has no heart.”

Joshua was widely known in the Richmond area for his enthusiasm for public transportation. Bus drivers across the GRTC system remembered him fondly as a friendly and polite teenager who often struck up conversations during his rides across the city, from the airport routes to surrounding counties. His presence was so familiar that drivers once gifted him a reflective safety vest to help him stay visible while walking and riding.

Tragically, Joshua was not wearing the vest the night he died. His mother shared that it had recently been washed and was still in the dryer when he left home.

The loss has left both family and community members devastated. Joshua’s brother described him as adventurous, kind, and deeply caring, someone who brought warmth into everyday interactions. His love for city buses and his curiosity about the world made him a familiar and cherished presence among transit workers.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash, including reviewing evidence from the scene and seeking additional witnesses. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to ᴀssist in the ongoing investigation.

As Henrico County mourns, Joshua Driver is remembered not just for how he died, but for how he lived — a bright, friendly teenager whose small daily journeys connected him to an entire community. 💔🕯️