Milligan University cross country runner killed, 2 more injured in hit-and-run

Published 3:54 pm Friday, April 1, 2022

What started out as preparations for a cross country event for the Milligan University cross country team ending in tragedy Thursday when five runners were struck by a hit-and-run driver leaving one dead.

Eli Cramer, a 20-year-old sophomore, died at the hospital, according to CBS affiliate 3WTKR from Hampton Roads. Senior teammates Alex Mortimer and Eli Baldy were also injured in the accident.

According to Virginia State Police reports, five members of the cross country team were running on Williamsburg Pottery Road when they were struck by a red-colored, two-door sedan.

The driver left the scene continuing down Williamsburg Pottery Road. Officials found the driver of the sedan a short time later after he crashed into the median on Route 199.

He was taken into custody.

Milligan University released a statement Thursday evening which said, “We are incredibly shocked and saddened to share that members of our men’s cross country/track & field team were in an accident involving a vehicle this evening while running near Williamsburg, Va. Sophomore Eli Cramer succumbed to his injuries. Seniors Alex Mortimer and Eli Baldy also were injured. Mortimer currently is undergoing treatment. Baldy was treated and released.”

More information will be released as it becomes available.

*UPDATE

The identity of the driver of a Toyota Scion has been released. Efrain Hernandez Mancia, 26-years-old, of Williamsburg, VA has been charged with DUI – 1st offense, DUI – involuntary manslaughter, one felony count of hit and run, reckless driving, DUI – maiming and DUI – refusal to submit a breath/blood sample.

Mancia was taken to the Virginia Peninsula Regional jail. The crash remains under investigation.