CARROLL COUNTY, VA — Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that happened Saturday afternoon on Interstate 77 northbound in Carroll County. According to investigators, a 2005 Coachman Encore recreational vehicle was traveling north when it lost control near the four-mile marker, ran off the right side of the road and struck the guardrail. The crash happened at 2:42 p.m. on June 20, 2026. A passenger, Gretchen H. Karcher, 70, of Versailles, Pennsylvania, was ejected and died at the scene.
Crash Details
State police said Karcher was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the wreck. The driver, Ronald J. Winkler, 73, of N. Versailles, Pennsylvania, was not injured. The recreational vehicle was the only vehicle involved, and the collision took place on a stretch of interstate northbound near the four-mile marker. Officials have not released any additional details about why the RV lost control or whether any charges are expected.
Investigation Continues
The case remains under investigation by Virginia State Police. The agency has not said whether weather, road conditions or mechanical issues played a role. Because the crash involved a motor home, investigators may continue looking at the vehicle’s condition, roadway evidence and other factors that could help explain how it left the travel lane. For now, the public information is limited to the time, location and the known injuries from the wreck.
Family Seeks Missing Dog
After the crash, Karcher’s family shared a message asking for help finding her dog, Lake, a 50-pound Portuguese water dog. The family said Lake was last seen near Interstate 77 north in Virginia, about four miles north of the North Carolina border, on June 20. They said they have already contacted local authorities, animal control agencies, a drone team and the dog’s microchip company, and have posted fliers in the area. They said finding Lake would bring some comfort during a difficult time.
How To Help
The family asked anyone in the area, or anyone with connections there, to keep watch for Lake and share the flyer widely. They said most of their relatives, friends, followers and customers are in Pennsylvania, which is why they are hoping the message reaches people who may be nearby in Virginia. The dog’s family said they want anyone with information to contact them immediately. So far, despite the search efforts, Lake has not been found.
