It was a typical Tuesday afternoon in Richmond when 21-year-old Alexander Norton lost his life in a tragic collision. According to the Richmond Police Department, the crash happened just before 4 p.m. at the busy intersection of South Belvidere Street and Spring Street, a corridor familiar to thousands of daily commuters.
Norton, who lived in North Chesterfield, was riding his motorcycle when he collided with an SUV, police said. Emergency services rushed him to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts he succumbed to his injuries. The SUV’s driver was uninjured and remained at the scene to assist investigators.
Preliminary investigation suggests that Norton attempted a left turn from Spring Street onto South Belvidere Street, reportedly running a red light. At the same time an SUV traveling south on South Belvidere turned left into Spring Street, and the two vehicles collided in the center of the intersection.
No charges have been filed at this point, as the department’s Crash Team continues to review traffic-camera footage, roadway evidence, and witness statements to determine exactly how events unfolded and whether roadway design or signal timing played any role.
The news has hit Norton’s family, friends and the wider Richmond community hard. He was remembered as a young man full of energy, ambitious, with a love of motorcycles and life. Social media has been flooded with tributes and condolences, underscoring how much he was loved and how deeply this loss is felt.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen the collision, or who has video footage of the intersection in those minutes, to reach out to Crash Team Investigator D. Peppel at 804-646-1042, or contact Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000 or via the P3 Tips mobile app. Even small details can make a big difference in clarifying what happened.
As the investigation continues, the scene serves as a sobering reminder: intersections like South Belvidere and Spring Street move fast, and a single moment of misjudgment can change lives forever. Drivers and riders alike are encouraged to stay alert, obey signals, and choose patience over haste—especially where traffic is heavy and turn movements are many.
