JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — A 19-year-old from Newport News was airlifted to VCU Medical Center, where he later died, after being hit by a Freightliner truck, police say.

Officials say that Joshua Barkley, who was 19 years old at the time of the accident, was taken off of life support on Dec. 26. Barkley turned 20 years old on Dec. 25.

It happened Sunday just after midnight on the 7200 block of Richmond Road near Noah’s Ark Veterinary Hospital.

According to police, the truck (without a trailer) was traveling eastbound and tried unsuccessfully to avoid hitting Barkley, who was trying to get personal belongings from the road.

Police say Barkley was not aware that the truck was approaching.

Barkley received treatment from emergency personnel before being airlifted to the hospital.

Police are working with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in this ongoing investigation, and they do not anticipate any charges against the truck driver.

The incident underscores the paramount importance of road safety, especially during low-visibility conditions at night, police said in a news release.