Virginia State Police have identified the two individuals killed in a fiery three-vehicle crash that forced a lengthy shutdown of the Norris Bridge on Sunday.
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The incident occurred just before 7 p.m. when a westbound 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350 SUV—driven by Jesse David Foster, 30, of White Stone—attempted to pass another vehicle in the eastbound lane. During the maneuver, Foster sideswiped a 2024 Subaru Outback before slamming head-on into a 2014 Ford Fusion.
Tragically, Crystal Michelle Lyles, 42, of White Stone, was ejected from the SUV and pronounced dead at the scene. Ernesto Santiago, a 53-year-old Hampton resident and driver of the Fusion, also died as a result of the crash.
Foster survived but was airlifted to Chippenham Hospital.
Virginia State Police noted that none of those individuals were wearing seatbelts. Authorities say speed and alcohol were major contributing factors in the collision.
The Subaru’s driver, 27-year-old Madeline Hart Gunter of Richmond, escaped unharmed.
The crash triggered a fire and prompted the closure of Norris Bridge in both directions. On Monday, VDOT fully reopened the bridge and stated the emergency inspection revealed no major damage to the bridge except minor pavement damage that will be repaired on date to be announced.
VDOT canceled the structural steel rehabilitation work previously scheduled to start on Monday. Â
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