WILLIAMSBURG — A 21-year-old William & Mary student walking on Richmond Road was struck by a vehicle driven by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation President and CEO Cliff Fleet Thursday morning and transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
“Earlier this morning one of our students was involved in a pedestrian-vehicle accident on Richmond Road in the area of Sorority Court and was seriously injured. Our thoughts are with this student and her family and friends,” Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler said in a statement released to the William & Mary community.
According to the City of Williamsburg, Williamsburg Fire and Police departments responded to the traffic crash on Richmond Road near Armistead Avenue, which it said occurred at approximately 8:12 a.m.
A preliminary investigation by the Virginia State Police (VSP), asked to assist at the request of the city, revealed that Fleet was operating a 2023 Audi SUV eastbound on Richmond Road when he struck the student. Fleet was not injured in the crash. The Virginia State Police Reconstruction Team along with the Commonwealth Attorney, were notified and arrived at the scene to assist in the investigation.
“Our prayers and concerns are for the health and safety of the individual involved in a car accident with President Fleet on Richmond Road earlier this morning. Our thoughts are also with their family at this very difficult time,” the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation said in an official statement. “President Fleet and the Foundation are cooperating fully with law enforcement conducting the investigation and defer further comment on the situation to the Virginia State Police.”
According to the city, its medical director, Dr. Bryant Gray, was serving with the Williamsburg Fire Department Emergency Medical Services at the time of the incident and provided care both on the scene and during transport to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
The city said Richmond Road, between Boundary Street and the westbound side of Dawson Circle, is closed as the investigation continues.
At this time, neither speed nor alcohol are considered contributing factors. The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending, VSP said.
“I am grateful for first responders on the scene — and for this caring W&M community,” Ambler said.