CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) – David Wade Sr. was tragically killed in a pedestrian accident on South Military Highway in Chesapeake on Tuesday. Wade was visiting a mobile market operated by a local merchant known as the ‘watermelon man’ when police say a driver lost control of her vehicle, ran off the road and struck Wade and another person in the parking lot.

“He was everybody’s favorite best friend,” said a family member, reflecting on Wade’s warm personality and the impact he had on those around him. Family said the Virginia Beach native was 66 years old.

Wade was taken to the hospital, where family members gathered in a private room to receive news from the doctor and chaplain.

David Wade Jr., still coming to terms with the loss of his father, expressed the difficulty of not being able to reach out to him anymore. “I haven’t had a chance to process the fact that I can’t just call him up.”

Wade’s wife, Dorethia, met him during their high school years at Kellam High School. He later pursued mass communications at Norfolk State University.

Photo provided by David Wade’s family.

As the family makes funeral arrangements, they remember Wade as a loving father and grandfather, known affectionately as ‘papa’ to his grandchildren.

“He loved everybody.”

Police have yet to file any charges related to the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.