Police: Speed, alcohol crash factors
The Virginia State Police (VSP) is investigating a three-vehicle crash that claimed two lives and seriously injured another Sunday, July 13, on the Robert O. Norris Jr. Memorial Bridge.
At approximately 6:53 p.m., VSP responded to a crash on the bridge involving a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350 SUV, a 2024 Subaru Outback and a 2014 Ford Fusion, reported VSP Division One public information officer Sgt. Jessica B. Shehan.
The investigation revealed that the Mercedes-Benz, driven by Jesse David Foster, 30, of White Stone was traveling westbound on Route 3 at a high rate of speed. Foster attempted to pass another vehicle, sideswiping the Subaru Outback before striking the Ford Fusion head-on, said Sgt. Shehan.
Foster’s passenger, Crystal Michelle Lyles, 42, of White Stone was ejected from the vehicle. She succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
The driver of the Ford Fusion, Ernesto Santiago, 53, of Hampton died at the scene.
Foster was airlifted to Chippenham Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver of the Subaru Outback, Madeline Hart Gunter, 27, of Richmond was not injured.
State police determined that none of the individuals in the Mercedes-Benz or the Ford Fusion was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Speed and alcohol are considered major contributing factors, she said.
Bridge Closure
The Norris Bridge, which links Middlesex and Lancaster counties, sustained damage from the crash and the resulting vehicle fire, reported Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Fredericksburg District senior communications specialist Alexis Breeden. VDOT closed Route 3 in both directions and travelers were notified to seek alternate routes.
The bridge re-opened to alternating one-way traffic at approximately 1:30 a.m. The single-lane closure remained in place overnight and through mid-morning Monday, while crews conducted inspections to assess whether repairs were needed. Motorists were directed through the one-way alternating lane closure with the assistance of a pilot truck, said Breeden.
At 11:10 a.m. Monday, VDOT announced all lanes were open on the bridge. An inspection by VDOT crews found no related structural damage to the bridge. The pavement on the bridge’s travel surface sustained minor damage in the crash area. Repairs to the pavement will be scheduled and announced, she said.
Investigation
Following any fatal crash, VDOT conducts a thorough investigation in coordination with law enforcement. This process involves assessing road conditions and infrastructure at the time of the crash, such as signage, pavement markings, and any contributing factors, said VDOT Fredericksburg District communications manager Kelly Hannon.
The findings help determine if safety measures need to be added, or if any changes are needed to an existing traffic pattern, such as a passing zone. The review will be completed within 45 days, said Hannon.
The crash remains under investigation with assistance from the Virginia State Police Division One Crash Reconstruction Team, said Sgt. Shehan. The Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad (MCVRS) responded to the crash, said Squad Captain Ole Albert.
The Lancaster Volunteer Rescue Squad was in charge of the scene and delegated the MCVRS to assist victims in one of the vehicles, he explained. State police recovered the deceased.
No fire departments from Middlesex were dispatched to the crash.
