What to Know
William Vance Payne II left his home in Virginia on August 4, 2026, just like he’d done for decades. The 58-year-old father of five and dedicated husband never expected it to be his final morning commute to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Around 5:25 a.m., a stolen Kia Optima allegedly slammed into Payne’s Toyota Matrix.
When emergency responders arrived, they reportedly found seven juveniles inside the stolen vehicle, ranging in age from 12 to 15 years old. Payne died at the scene, leaving a heartbroken family behind. Now the driver and passengers could face serious charges.
The Kia’s owner reported the car stolen several hours after the crash.
Per a release from Montgomery County Police, the accident occurred in Germantown at the intersection of Great Seneca Highway and Clopper Road. The owner of the white Kia reported the vehicle stolen hours after the early morning crash.
“The juvenile driver of the Kia was transported to an area hospital in critical but stable condition,” police shared. “The remaining juvenile occupants sustained injuries of varying severity and were transported to several area trauma centers.”
Photos from the crash site show a horrific scene.
Montgomery County Fire & Rescue shared photos of the crash site on Facebook, and it’s shocking that anyone survived the horrific crash. Not only was Payne’s vehicle destroyed, but the white Kia also wound up upside down in bushes near the intersection.
“Initial reports indicate a two-vehicle collision with one vehicle overturned, entrapment, and up to seven patients involved. Fire and Rescue personnel are on scene conducting rescue operations, stabilizing vehicles, extricating trapped occupants, providing emergency medical care, and coordinating patient transport to area hospitals,” the caption reads.
Officials requested travelers avoid the scene if possible. If they had to drive in the area, they requested no one stop to keep emergency responders safe.
Payne’s death shocked those close to him.
Payne’s family shared a statement with Fox 5 asking for privacy following his shocking death, “We are focusing on our family right now as we process the tragic and painful loss of a devoted father, husband and friend to so many. Please respect our privacy at this time,” the message reads.
His employer, NIST, also shared a statement with the news outlet lauding Payne as a valued member of its team for decades.
“Dr. W. Vance Payne II worked at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for 29 years, most recently serving as a mechanical engineer in our Engineering Laboratory’s Building Energy and Environment Division. His research focused on making residential heat pump and air conditioning systems more reliable, safe, and efficient for the homeowners and residents who rely on them,” the statement reads. “Our thoughts are with Vance’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Loved ones created a GoFundMe for Payne’s wife, Lisa, and children. The loving father of five has three young children with Lisa and two adult children. They’ve raised nearly $70,000 thus far.
It’s unclear what charges the driver will face.
Per WUSA, the driver of the stolen Kia was a 13-year-old boy. The other occupants included two 14-year-old girls, a 13-year-old girl and a 12-year old girl, along with a 15-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy. They were all hospitalized following the crash. The driver remains in critical condition. Per authorities, the investigation could take months, and it’s unclear what charges the driver may face.
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