Wythe County, Virginia – The community is in mourning after the untimely passing of 18-year-old Liam McCoy, who tragically lost his life in a fatal motorcycle accident during a police chase. Despite Virginia’s “no chase” law, two state troopers pursued McCoy at speeds between 100 and 140 miles per hour, resulting in the devastating accident.
Liam McCoy, known for his talent and intelligence, was identified as the young man who met this unfortunate fate. He was on his motorcycle, trying to get his unregistered vehicle back home at the time of the incident.
Liam Daniel McCoy, 18, of Christiansburg, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023. He was an avid hunter, enjoyed going fast on his motorcycle, and was a follower of God. Liam had a smile that would light up the room and will be dearly missed by anyone that had the privilege of knowing him.
Survivors include his mother and bonus dad, Shannon and Kenny Jones; father, Bill McCoy; siblings, Andrew McCoy, Tabitha Bess and BB McCoy; nephew; Cam; paternal grandmother, Lois McCoy; maternal grandparents; Linda Bargeron, and Butch and Stevie Bargeron; aunt and uncle, Tammy and Joe Collins; cousin, Dillinger and Barrett; friends, Conner Crumley, Michael Price and Jason Hatchell; special friend, Nyoka; step grandmother, Melissa Kay; and many other relatives and friends.
Liam McCoy’s obituary will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford.
According to a heartfelt Facebook post by Norman Billy Mac McCoy, Liam had recently acquired the motorcycle and had not yet obtained proper registration. The police began pursuing him, and as an apprehensive 18-year-old, Liam did not stop. It’s important to note that Liam did not flee because of any wrongdoing or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Norman elaborated that Liam fled simply because he was a young man trying to get his unregistered motorcycle safely back home before the accident that tragically claimed his life.
In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, Morgan Carr initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Liam McCoy’s family and memorialize his memory.
Fundraiser “Morgan Carr” stated;
“Liam had just bought a street bike and was having the most fun a kid can have riding it. He had no plate because he had just bought it, we had almost made it back to the area and we’re about 45 minutes away when a state trooper pulled out behind him. he was chased by two state troopers going about 100-140, even though there is a no chase law. we tried finding him for an hour and had no luck. we all went home and called his mom, hospitals, jails, everything we could do. We ended up getting the call from his mom that he had died at 11:30-12pm. No parent should ever have to bury their child. Liam was 18 years old he was just a child. We are just making this so we can help with funeral expenses, prayers for his family.”
Norman Billy Mac McCoy’s emotional Facebook post highlighted the impact Liam had on the lives of many friends and expressed his deep sorrow. He also raised important questions about the actions of the two Virginia state troopers involved in the pursuit. Norman emphasized that his son’s life was lost over an improper registration ticket and questioned why the pursuit was not terminated when it became apparent that it was becoming dangerous.
The tragedy has ignited a broader conversation about the safety and necessity of police chases, and Liam McCoy’s family, along with the community, seeks answers and justice for the young man’s untimely passing.
