A 20-year-old Milligan University cross-country star has died after he was struck by a drunk-driver while practicing with teammates for an upcoming meet in Virginia.
Milligan University announced that Eli Cramer, a sophomore student-athlete majoring in business administration, was on a practice run with three teammates and an assistant coach when he and two students were stuck by a Toyota Scion on Thursday.
The driver, 26-year-old Jose Efrain Hernandez Mancia, fled the scene of the crash, but ran into a median shortly after, Virginia State Police confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. He was arrested and taken to Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.
Cramer succumbed to his injuries at Williamsburg Sentara Hospital on Thursday.
“Words cannot express the grief that flowed across this campus and throughout the Milligan family around the world when we heard the news that one of our own, Eli Cramer, had been killed,” Milligan President Dr. Bill Greer said in a press conference on Friday.
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Mancia 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 related.
The investigation is ongoing.
Senior Eli Baldy and graduate student Alex Mortimer were also injured in the crash. Baldy, 21, was released from the hospital with minor injuries to his leg and foot. Mortimer, 23, suffered life-threatening injuries and underwent multiple surgeries, according to the university.
“I’ve been informed the worst of my injury is a broken leg and dislocated shoulder,” Mortimer said in a video posted from his hospital bed. “Moments like this make you realize what is and is not important in your life.”
He continued: “Do not forsake or discount the beauty and the gift of life. It is like a vapor and it flashes before our eyes.”
The cross-country team was in town for the 56th Annual Colonial Relays at William & Mary University, Dr. Lee Harrison, Milligan University’s Vice President of Marketing, said in a press conference on Friday.
A moment of silence was held before Friday’s events, William & Mary Associate Athletics Director Pete Clawson said in an email.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the entire Milligan University community and all affected by the tragic accident involving members of their Track & Field team on Thursday afternoon,” William & Mary University said in a statement.
Cramer was a two-time All-American and two-time All-AAC for cross country. He set a program record at Milligan University in the 8k and was the third finisher on the 2021 national championship cross country team.
“Eli is remembered as a joyous person,” Greer said. “A young man that worked hard and played hard.”
Contributing: Associated Press
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