Fairfax Station, Virginia — The Fairfax Station community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of 17-year-old Neil Gavri, who died in a tragic car accident on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The crash, which occurred on the notoriously dangerous Lee Chapel Road, claimed the life of the South County High School student and left a lasting impact on those who knew and loved him.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, the accident took place around 9:30 p.m. in the 7400 block of Lee Chapel Road. Neil Gavri was a passenger in a 2019 Lexus IS350 that was traveling northbound at an estimated speed of over 100 miles per hour. As the vehicle approached a hill on the winding two-lane road, it lost contact with the pavement, became airborne for approximately 130 feet, and ultimately landed on its roof in a devastating crash.
Neil was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other teenagers were also in the vehicle. One died alongside Neil, while the third occupant was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. The names of the other individuals involved have not been publicly released.
Neil’s sudden and tragic passing has left his family, friends, and classmates in shock. Known for his kind heart, bright spirit, and strong academic performance, Neil was admired by his peers and loved deeply by his family. He was passionate about sports, technology, and spending time with those closest to him. His teachers described him as driven and respectful, and his friends remembered him as someone who could always be counted on for a laugh or a supportive word.
In the days following the crash, a makeshift memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten messages appeared near the crash site. Students and community members gathered to pay their respects, share memories, and support one another in the face of such a tremendous loss.
A funeral service for Neil will be held Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042. The Gavri family welcomes all who knew Neil to attend and celebrate his life, offering a chance to say goodbye and honor the legacy he leaves behind.
The accident has reignited calls for immediate safety improvements on Lee Chapel Road. Over the past decade, the road has been the site of more than 200 crashes and over 120 injuries. Local residents have long voiced concerns about the road’s design, narrow lanes, and limited visibility — especially at the hill where the crash occurred. In response to this most recent tragedy, county officials have renewed discussions on potential road upgrades, including widening lanes, adding guardrails, and improving signage.
Community members are organizing a petition and working with local leaders to push for long-overdue safety reforms. Many hope that Neil’s death, while unbearably painful, can serve as a catalyst for change to protect other young lives.
As the Fairfax Station community mourns the loss of a bright, promising young man, the impact of Neil Gavri’s life continues to ripple through those he touched. His memory will be cherished, and his tragic death serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safe driving and road safety advocacy.
For those wishing to support the Gavri family during this time, donations and condolences can be directed through local community organizations and the National Funeral Home. Further updates will be shared as they become available.
Rest in peace, Neil Gavri. You will never be forgotten.