Charles R. Crickenberger, 17, schoolboy, saved Kent A. King, 26, truck driver, from an explosion, Arrington, Virginia, August 21, 1966. King was driving a tractor-trailer transporting 7,500 gallons of gasoline and with approximately 100 gallons of gasoline in its two fuel tanks behind the cab. At a curve the tractor-trailer veered from the highway, overturned on its right side, and rolled to an angle of 45 degrees with all wheels in the air. The motor continued to run. Crickenberger saw the overturned vehicle and, fearing that an explosion was imminent, ran to the tractor to aid anyone in it. King, badly dazed, was attempting to climb through the door window, which was two feet above the ground because of the angle of the vehicle. Crickenberger extended his arms into the cab, grasped King, and aided him to the ground. He then lifted King to his feet and took him six feet to the road. He asked if there was anyone else in the cab, but King was too dazed to answer. Crickenberger ran to the front of the tractor and peered through the windshield. Just then one of the fuel tanks exploded, and flames rose 15 feet above the tractor. Burning gasoline was sprayed onto Crickenberger, igniting his clothing and singeing his hair. He ran to King, whose shoes had been set afire, and together they ran across the road to a field. Crickenberger, who had removed his burning shirt as he ran, rolled on the ground to extinguish the flames on his trousers. The other fuel tank and then the tank trailer exploded. Flames rose 50 feet into the air. It required two hours for firemen to put out the fire. King sustained burns to his face and arms. Crickenberger suffered more extensive burns. Both recovered after being hospitalized.
49055-5246Obituary
Charles Richard Crickenberger, Lovingly known as “Crick”, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026. Born on December 8,1948, he lived a life marked by love, compassion and devotion to his family
Crick was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was known for his kind heart, gentle spirit, and steady presence and always willing to help others and deeply committed to those he loved.
Crick was a true hero. In 1966 at only 17 years old, he risked his own life to save the another during a devastating accident involving an explosion and fire from a gasoline truck that jackknifed in front of him. Without hesitation he ran toward danger, pulled the injured driver to safety and returned to the truck to ensure no one else was inside. Moments later the truck exploded and Crick sustained 3rd and 4th degree burns over 40% of his body. His bravery, selfishness and instinct to protect others reflected the kind of man he was throughout his life, quietly courageous, compassionate and always willing to put others before himself.. He was presented with the Carnegie Medal of Heroism for this brave act in 1967.
He found great joy in fishing whether on a trout stream, off a pier, or offshore fishing where he felt most at peace. An amazing cook, Crick was especially proud of his barbecue and his own- one-of-a-kind creation lovingly known as “Crick Sauce ” which became a family favorite and part of many treasured gatherings.
Crick was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and “Tootsie ” Crickenberger, his brother Melvin Crickenberger and his sister, Darlene Crickenberger Haslip.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Wilma; his daughter Cindy Powell and son-n-law Michael; his son Jeff and daughter-n-law Ann; his grandson Dexter and wife Cody; his great grandchildren, Avery,Zaidyn,Nevaeh,Tatun and Tripp; his step-granddaughter, Lacey Wisecup and her husband Homer his great-grandson Miles;his step-grandson, Matthew Minnick and fiancée Hannah; his sisters, Debbie Ashley and Wanda Kidd and her husband Curtis and his brother Barry Crickenberger
Crick will be remembered for his warmth, generosity,love of family and the many memories he created that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.