Michael Ortiz, 21, a Navy man stationed at Oceana Air Station, and Eric Clay Hallstrom, 29, an off-duty Norfolk Police Officer, died when the vehicle they were riding in changed lanes, went off the road into the median, struck several trees and then overturned. Both men were ejected from the car which made it unclear as to who was driving. Mr. Ortiz died at the scene and Mr. Hallstrom died of his injuries at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. According to Sgt. Michelle Cotton, a state police spokeswoman, the cause of the crash, including whether the two men were wearing seat belts, how fast they were driving and whether alcohol was involved, will not be available until investigators complete a reconstruction of the incident. This could take several weeks.
Both lanes of I-264 at Birdneck Road were closed for about five hours Friday night. This tragedy brings to light how important it is to wear your seat belts and obey the speed limits. Taking precautions such as these saves lives.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Mr. Ortiz and Mr. Hallstrom.
About the Editors: Shapiro & Appleton& Duffan personal My injury lawfirm (VA-NC law offices) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY, who handle car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more.