The following article was previously published on The Flat Hat’s website on Oct. 26 and updated later that day. However, due to an unforeseen technological glitch, it was removed from the website for a period of time and was re-uploaded today, Nov. 6.
Thursday, Oct. 26 at approximately 8:12 a.m., a 21-year old female student at the College of William and Mary was involved in a pedestrian-vehicle collision on Richmond Road near Sorority Court, according to a City of Williamsburg press release.
“The female has been transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The City of Williamsburg’s medical director, Dr. Bryant Gray, was serving with the Williamsburg Fire Department Emergency Medical Services at the time of the incident and provided care on the scene and during transport,” the press release stated.
The Williamsburg Fire Department and Police, along with College police and Virginia State Police officers, responded to the scene.
In an email to The Flat Hat, Virginia State Police Sergeant Michelle Anaya wrote that President and CEO of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and Chair of the William and Mary Foundation Cliff Fleet ’91, M.A. ’93, J.D. ’95, M.B.A. ’95 was the driver, operating the black 2023 Audi Q8, who struck the student.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that Clifford Bridges Fleet III, 53 of Richmond, was operating a 2023 Audi SUV eastbound on Richmond Road, when he struck the female pedestrian,” Anaya wrote. “Fleet was not injured in the crash. The Virginia State Police Reconstruction Team along with the Commonwealth Attorney, were notified and arrived to the scene to assist in the investigation. At this time, speed nor alcohol, are contributing factors. The investigation is on-going and charges are pending.”
Fleet’s Office did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.
Vice President for Student Affairs Virginia M. Ambler ’88, Ph.D. ‘06 sent an email to the student body addressing the accident.
“Our thoughts are with this student and her family and friends,” Ambler said in the email. “Out of respect for the student’s privacy and in accordance with university practice, that is all we can say at this time.”
Director of News and Media Suzanne Clavet shared an additional statement from the College in an email to The Flat Hat.
“Today’s collision in Williamsburg involving a vehicle and a pedestrian is an incredibly unfortunate situation involving two members of the William & Mary Community,” the email stated. “The pedestrian is a student, and the driver is a faculty member and longtime engaged alumnus.”
