A man lost his life in a Virginia Beach motorcycle accident after he collided with a sport utility vehicle making a left turn. The fatal incident took place at approximately 4:45 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2013, in the 2800 block of Holland Road.
According to police spokesperson Officer Grazia Moyers, the motorcyclist was traveling northbound on Holland Road when he collided with a Cadillac Escalade making a left turn. The rider was thrown from his bike.
Rescue crews transported the victim, Petty Officer 2nd Class Ralph J. Tolland III, 25, of Virginia Beach, to a local hospital where he was treated for injuries sustained in the collision. Unfortunately, he lost his life. Officer Moyers indicated that Mr. Tolland had the right-of-way.
The driver of the Escalade has been identified as Demissew Gedamu, 67, also of Virginia Beach. He was charged with failure to yield the right of way.
According to military records, Mr. Tolland enlisted in the Navy in 2006. He was recently stationed at Oceana Naval Air Station’s Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic.
The fatal Virginia Beach motorcycle accident remains under investigation by local authorities. The Commonwealth’s Attorney Office is determining whether additional charges will be filed against Mr. Gedamu.
This is a terrible accident, and we extend our deepest thoughts and condolences to Mr. Tolland’s family and friends during this tragic time.