Waynesboro Police report that on October 4, 2021, at approximately 7:45 PM, the Waynesboro Police Department responded to the 1800 block of East Main Street for a reported 2-vehicle crash and an altercation between individuals on the scene.

Police say that as responding officers were arriving in the area, there was an additional report of an unresponsive individual. Once arriving at the scene, the responding officers learned there were two separate crashes.

The preliminary investigation determined the first crash was between a 2018 Dodge van driven by Christina M. Royston, a 38-year-old female from Waynesboro, and a 2007 Suzuki motorcycle driven by a 43-year-old male from Charlotteville. After this crash, the two drivers were still reportedly in the roadway engaged in an altercation.

Police report that a 1998 Honda sedan driven by Frederick J. Palka, a 53-year-old male from Crozet, passed through this area westbound.

Palka allegedly struck both Royston and the other male driver in the roadway, causing injuries to both.

Royston was transported from the scene via ambulance. She died while en route to the hospital. The other victim later sought medical treatment for his injuries.

As a result of the investigation, Palka was arrested for the following offenses related to the second crash:1. §18.266: Driving Under the Influence (Misdemeanor)2. §18.2-36.1 Manslaughter-DUI Involuntary (Felony)

Palka is currently being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail.

From a post on Gofundme raising money for the family of Christina Royston describing what took place prior to the alleged drunk driver killing Royston

Lawhee Blankenbaker is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Jeremy Royston.

First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone for their condolences to Christina Royston’s family and friends during our time of loss. Christina was born February 16, 1983, and in Kentucky.
Last night 10-4-21 at 7:44 pm Christina was involved in a hit-and-run accident outside of her Waynesboro, VA home. A motorcyclist hit the back of her van. Her daughter Aliza saw the motorcyclist hit the van, as she was outside awaiting her mom’s arrival home. Her other daughter Laela was standing on the front porch and also witnessed the accident. According to her daughter’s Christina got out of the van to check on the man on the motorcycle and was asking him if he was okay. The man started blaming Christina for the accident and yelling. Other witnesses reported seeing the man and Christina outside arguing. Aliza at this point was already on the phone with 911. During the phone call with 911 Aliza, Laela, and her other daughter Mkena witnessed the man shove Christina into the road into on-coming traffic where she was then hit by a drunk driver that was speeding.
Aliza and Laela rushed to her aide. Aliza found no pulse and started CPR. When she started breathing she was gasping for air. Aliza then put her fingers down her throat to widen her airway. By this time both drivers fled the scene. Only the motorcyclist came back. She was then transported by ambulance to meet the helicopter for transport to UVA where she tragically passed away waiting to be airlifted.
At this time the family is asking for help with the cost of the funeral expenses, medical bills, basic utility bills, and help with the care of her four precious daughters left behind. This is without a doubt a tragic loss for her family. Her husband is beside himself and her daughters are at their wit’s end.
Christina touched so many lives. She was so caring, loving, creative, witty, intelligent, headstrong and I could literally go on for days about how amazing she was. She loved her husband, Jake, of almost 20 years. And oh her girls…she LOVED and would do ANYTHING for Laela, Aliza, Mkena, and Bella.
If you can find it in your heart to donate, big or small, it will not go unnoticed and will be appreciated by her family. If you are unable to donate please share.