Three vehicle collision kills one, sends eight to hospitals

On December 24^th, 2017 at 5:31 p.m. officers responded to a report of a crash involving three vehicles on Deale Churchton Road near Franklin Manor Road in Churchton.

Initial investigation found that Vehicle #1 was northbound on Deale Churchton Rd at a high rate of speed when it drifted across the centerline and sideswiped vehicle #2 before striking vehicle #3 head on in the southbound lane.

The primary cause of this collision is the driver failing to remain right of center.  Alcohol, speed and wet roadway conditions are suspected to be contributing factors. The Traffic Safety Section is handing the investigation and charges, if any, will be after review by the State’s Attorney.

Update:          

In the early morning hours of December 25, 2017, Jean Elizabeth Dieux died as a result of her injuries. The at fault driver, James Houle is now expected to survive.

Driver

VEHICLE #2                2016 Lincoln Navigator

Driver

Brian Jay Heller                       39yoa              AAMC- Minor Injuries – AAMC
Deale, MD

Front Passenger

Richard Waring Mccann Jr      35yoa              Minor Injuries – Refused Treatment

Churchton, MD

Rear Passenger

VEHICLE #3               2004 Ford F-150 PU

Driver

Michael James Bernhardt         62yoa              AAMC – Minor Injuries

Shady Side, MD

Front Passenger

Gracon Cooper                                    7yoa                DC MedStar  – Minor Injuries

Shady Side, MD

Front Passenger

Kelly Dieux                             40yoa              AAMC- Minor Injuries

Shady Side, MD

Rear Passenger

Julie Ann Dieux                       62yoa              PG Trauma – Minor Injuries

Shady Side, MD

Rear Passenger

Jean Elizabeth Dieux               87yoa              DC MedStar – (Died from her injuries on 12/25/17)
Rockville, MD

Rear Passenger

Ann Whittaker Burger              85yoa              PG Trauma – Serious Injuries

Shady Side, MD