NORFOLK, Va. — A Chesapeake man died following a three-vehicle crash in Norfolk on Friday morning, which authorities believe may have resulted from a medical emergency.
Norfolk police identified the driver as 61-year-old Steven L. Pledger.
Officers were dispatched to the intersection of West Brambleton Avenue and Botetourt Street at approximately 10:20 a.m. after Norfolk Fire-Rescue alerted them to the incident.
According to a preliminary investigation, Pledger was driving an Infiniti sedan eastbound on West Brambleton Avenue near 2nd Street when he reportedly suffered a medical emergency, causing him to lose control.
The Infiniti crossed into westbound lanes, struck the rear of a Chrysler Pacifica paused at a red light, then collided with a Ford Expedition also stopped at the light.
After the impacts, the Infiniti continued through the intersection, hit a utility pole, and came to a stop.
Pledger was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with life-threatening injuries and subsequently died.
A passenger in Pledger's vehicle and the driver of the Chrysler Pacifica sustained minor injuries and were also taken to the hospital.
West Brambleton Avenue was closed between 2nd Street and Duke Street for about five hours as investigators assessed the scene and cleared debris.
The roadway has since reopened in both directions.
Authorities stated the Norfolk Traffic Unit is continuing to investigate the crash to ascertain all contributing factors.
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