Newport News man dies after being hit by semitruck in James City County on Christmas Eve

The pedestrian who was hit by a semitruck on Christmas Eve died Tuesday, one day after his 20th birthday, according to James City County police.

Joshua Barkley, of Newport News, was attempting to retrieve items from the roadway when a Freightliner truck, without a trailer attached, was traveling eastbound and struck him on Richmond Road near Noah’s Ark Veterinary Hospital at about 12:30 a.m., according to a news release. The driver of the truck attempted to avoid him, police said.

Barkley was air-lifted to a hospital and placed on life support. He was taken off life support on Dec. 26, one day after his birthday.

Charges are not expected against the driver of the truck.

Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com