Collegiate runner dead after a hit-and-run in Virginia
Five members of the Milligan University cross country team were out for a run when they were struck by a drunk driver
A collegiate track and field athlete from Murfreesboro, Tenn. has died after a hit-and-run in Williamsburg, Va. Eli Cramer, a second-year student at Milligan University in Johnson City, Tenn. died of injuries sustained in the incident on March 31.
We are saddened to share that members of our men’s cross country/track & field team were involved in an accident involving a vehicle this evening while running near Williamsburg, VA. One fatality has been reported. https://t.co/XrHQWqkMPD
— Milligan University (@Milligan_Univ) April 1, 2022
According to a statement released by Milligan University, five members of the university’s cross country and track and field team were out for a run around 6 p.m. on Pottery Road in Williamsburg, when they were all struck by a red sedan.
Two of Cramer’s teammates were also injured in the hit-and-run, seniors Alex Mortimer and Eli Baldy. Baldy was treated and released on April 1. Mortimer remains in hospital in stable condition, according to The Virginian Pilot.
Virginia State Police said the driver, Jose Efrain Hernandez Mancia, fled the scene, continued down the road and proceeded to get onto Virginia Route 199, where he then crashed the vehicle into a traffic median. He then exited the vehicle, and a bystander, who saw the incident, gave aid.
26-yo Jose Efrain Hernandez Mancia has been charged following hit-and-run that killed 5000m @milliganxctf runner Eli Cramer last night.
DUI – 1st offense
DUI – Involuntary Manslaughter
Felony Hit and Run
Reckless Driving
DUI Maiming
Refusal – DUI pic.twitter.com/LCS4jz0crd— K Reuschle (@KReuschle) April 1, 2022
A statement by Milligan University’s student government president, Chase McGlamery:
“The past 24 hours have been unimaginable for our campus and have left a hole in our community. Eli Cramer was our friend, classmate and teammate. Words cannot adequately describe the sorrow and heartbreak that is flowing rampantly across our campus today. The next few days and coming weeks will bring a great deal of emotion and heartache for Cramer’s teammates, friends, family and our entire community.”
The driver was found to be intoxicated and placed under arrest by local police. He was also charged with involuntary manslaughter, maiming, hit and run as a felony and reckless driving.
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