College Athlete Killed, Two Others Injured After Being Hit By Truck Before Competition

A Tennessee college athlete was killed while his two teammates were injured after a truck reportedly struck all of them while they were running in Virginia on Thursday, Mar. 31.

Killed was Milligan University sophomore Eli Cramer, a member of the school’s track & field team. He died after being struck in the crash that happened at an intersection in Lightfoot, Va., just after 6 p.m. according to a report by the university via social media.

Also, senior students Alex Mortimer and Eli Baldy were left injured from the incident that happened on the eve of a scheduled track meet in the area.

Baldy underwent treatment and was subsequently released from the Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center.

Mortimer underwent surgery and is now reportedly in stable condition. He suffered a broken leg and a dislocated shoulder according to a video post on Facebook.

“I want to exhort and thank all of you all for praying for me, for the Milligan team and for the university and institution,” Mortimer said. “I want to say that moments like this make you realize what is and is not important in your life.”

The three students were out with two other members who went for a run. The driver of the vehicle that crashed into the three students initially fled the scene but was later on arrested, WTKR reported.

The man was identified as Jose Efrain Hernandez Mancia who was found intoxicated, leading to his arrest for DUI.

Among the charges that the 26-year-old man is facing include DUI – first offense, DUI – involuntary manslaughter, felony hit and run, reckless driving, DUI – maiming and refusal – DUI.

After fleeing the scene, police collared Mancia on Route 1999 and then took him into custody.

“We covet your prayers during this difficult time, especially for the Cramer family,” the University said in a released statement.

Milligan’s scheduled athletic events for the day were postponed. Classes were also canceled at the university.