SUV driven by Colonial Williamsburg president crashed into William & Mary student

A 21-year-old William & Mary student suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by an SUV driven by Clifford Bridges Fleet III, the President of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The incident occurred on Richmond Road and is under investigation. Both the university and Colonial Williamsburg have issued statements and are cooperating with authorities.

A 21-year-old William & Mary student suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by an SUV driven by Clifford Bridges Fleet III, the President of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The incident occurred on Richmond Road and is under investigation. Both the university and Colonial Williamsburg have issued statements and are cooperating with authorities.

Williamsburg Car Accident Details

A car struck a 21-year-old William & Mary student who was walking on Richmond Road on Thursday morning, resulting in severe injuries for her.

State police have confirmed that Clifford Bridges Fleet III, 53, of Richmond, was driving a 2023 Audi SUV eastbound when he hit a 21-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection of Richmond Road and Armistead Avenue.

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According to city officials, both the Williamsburg fire department and police responded to the incident, which occurred around 8:12 a.m.

The city’s medical director provided care for the victim at the scene and during her transport to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where she is currently being treated for life-threatening injuries.

SUV driven by Colonial Williamsburg president crashed into William & Mary student

SUV driven by Colonial Williamsburg president crashed into William & Mary student

Cause of the accident

Fleet became the President and CEO of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in 2020. He was also appointed as an adjunct professor at the business school of William & Mary.

At this time, both speed and alcohol have been ruled out as contributing factors, according to Anaya in a press release.

Several other potential causes of the accident could be:

– Road and Weather Conditions: limited visibility, slippery roads due to rain or snow, or inadequate lighting.

– Driver’s Health Status: fatigue, stress, or other health issues that might affect his driving ability.

– Other Factors: such as excessive speed, traffic rule violations, or malfunctioning vehicle equipment.

The Virginia State Police Reconstruction Team, along with Federal Lawyers, have been notified and arrived at the scene to assist in the investigation.

As the investigation continues, officials said that Richmond Road, between Boundary Street and the west of Dawson Circle, has been closed.

Out of respect for the privacy of the student and following university protocols, the school stated that the identity of the victim will be kept confidential at this time.

Community reaction to the incident

Response from the College of William & Mary

Immediately after the accident occurred, William & Mary University swiftly issued an official notification to all its students and staff. In the announcement, the school provided basic details about the incident and affirmed that they are actively collaborating with authorities to investigate the matter.

In a statement issued to the university community by William & Mary’s Vice President for Student Affairs, Ginger Ambler, it was noted: “The university’s thoughts are with this student, her family, and her friends.”

Ambler added, “We will share updates as they become available. I appreciate the first responders who arrived at the scene as well as the compassionate W&M community.”

To support affected students, the school has opened a 24/7 psychological support hotline and has organized regular traffic safety training sessions. These measures not only address the current emergency situation but also reflect the institution’s concern for the health and safety of the entire academic community.

In terms of reputation and the learning environment, the accident has undoubtedly raised concerns. Many students and parents have expressed worries about whether the school is ensuring a safe environment for its pupils. However, with the prompt and decisive response from the university, many feel reassured and highly regard the social responsibility that William & Mary has demonstrated.

This incident serves not only as a lesson in traffic safety but also as a challenge in how an academic organization can effectively respond in emergency situations, while simultaneously preserving its reputation and the quality of its learning environment.

Reaction from Colonial Williamsburg

Just hours after the accident was reported, the General Manager of Colonial Williamsburg held a press conference to announce the incident. In it, he confirmed that he is closely coordinating with law enforcement agencies and pledged to investigate the case to the end. The General Director also expressed his condolences and solidarity with the families of students from the College of William & Mary affected in the accident.

Reaction from people around, social networks, media

8News reached out to the organization’s administrators, who responded with an emailed statement expressing their condolences for the woman who suffered the accident.

“Our prayers and concerns are for the health and safety of the individual involved in the car accident with President Fleet on Richmond Road early this morning. Our thoughts are also with their families at this very difficult time,” a spokesperson for the organization said, “The Fleet President and the Foundation are cooperating fully with law enforcement conduct the investigation and defer further comment on the situation to the Virginia State Police.”

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