A single‑vehicle crash on Route 60 near the Italian Brothers restaurant in Providence Forge claimed a young basketball star on Monday evening. Emergency crews arrived shortly after 6:30 p.m. to find Kris Leeper, a New Kent High School senior, trapped in his car.
Witnesses reported that Leeper was not speeding and showed no signs of braking before impact. Remarkably, he remained conscious enough to call his parents moments after the collision, a detail that underscored the randomness of the accident.
Coach Garrett Ross later confirmed that the teenager’s seatbelt likely saved his life, but the force of the crash still caused serious injuries that required immediate airlift to a Richmond hospital. Since then, Leeper has undergone multiple surgeries and is now in a critical but stable condition.
Community Response
The New Kent High School basketball program has asked the community to support Leeper’s family during his recovery. A donation drive has been launched to cover medical expenses, meals and other necessities for the family while he remains hospitalized.
Neighbors, classmates and local businesses have organized food deliveries and fundraising events, highlighting the tight‑knit nature of the region’s sports community. The outpouring of support reflects a collective hope that the young athlete will return to the court stronger than before.
Leeper’s father, Donovan Gipson, has served as an assistant coach for the program, adding a personal layer to the family’s involvement with the team. His presence has been a source of comfort for both players and staff as they navigate this challenging time.
Beyond the immediate medical needs, the incident has sparked conversations about road safety for young athletes traveling to and from games. Coach Ross emphasized that while the accident was tragic, it serves as a reminder of the importance of wearing seatbelts and staying vigilant on the road.