VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Lee Lockamy, the former chief of the Nansemond Indian Tribe, passed away following a car accident on February 13, as confirmed by the current chief of the tribe, Keith Anderson.
Emergency crews from Virginia Beach responded to a two-vehicle collision at approximately 6 p.m. in the 5500 block of Shore Drive. Upon arrival, they found both drivers and transported them to the hospital for treatment.
One driver sustained injuries that were not life-threatening, while the second driver, 62-year-old Ronald Lockamy Jr., succumbed to his injuries the following day, February 14.
Keith Anderson, the current chief of the Nansemond Tribe, told News 3 that Lockamy had previously served as chief. He expressed that Lockamy's loss will be deeply felt within the community, noting that the tribe is still grappling with the shock of his passing. Just a week prior, both Anderson and Lockamy attended a recognition ceremony at Virginia Beach City Hall, where they received commendations from the mayor and city council. Anderson remarked that Lockamy was particularly excited about the acknowledgment, having dedicated years of effort to attain it.
According to preliminary investigation reports, Lockamy was driving east on Shore Drive when another vehicle entered his lane, resulting in a collision on the left side of that vehicle.
News 3 reporter Margaret Kavanagh had conducted a previous interview with Lockamy regarding historical human remains discovered in Hampton, which are believed to be associated with the Nansemond tribe.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the Virginia Beach Police Department at 757-385-4606 or to call Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.