KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, Va. — The family of Jacob Bozeman, a 20-year-old EMT killed in a wreck, is remembering him as a young man devoted to serving others.
Bozeman, of Essex County, died after the ambulance he was driving collided with a dump truck early March 20 in King and Queen County. His mother, Samantha Gartner, said Bozeman knew from a young age that he wanted to help people, WTVR reported.
“He touched so many souls,” Gartner said. “He was my best friend.”
Bozeman graduated from Essex County High School in 2023 and went on to earn his advanced emergency medical technician certificate from Rappahannock Community College. He had been working for AMR at the time of the crash.
According to Virginia State Police, the crash occurred around 6:50 a.m. when a dump truck crossed onto Route 360 from Fleets Mill Road. The truck came to a stop in the median of the four-lane highway, near the intersection by Shepherds United Methodist Church and roughly two miles from the Essex County line.
Troopers said approximately three feet of the dump truck extended into the roadway when the ambulance struck the rear driver-side corner panel. The impact caused the ambulance to overturn into the median.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Paramedic Christopher Mack and the dump truck driver were both hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, according to state police. Fellow EMT Rylee Schiller said Bozeman’s quick reaction likely saved Mack’s life.
Colleagues remembered Bozeman as a bright presence and team player.
“He was such a positive light on the truck,” said Paramedic Tiffany Hirsch.
“Jacob was warm, loving, and always up for a good conversation,” added Keri Leonard. “He will be missed but not forgotten.”
A GoFundMe has been created to support the family of Jacob Bozeman.
