LEONARDTOWN, MD, March 16, 2024 — A devastating vehicular accident occurred early Saturday morning near the intersection of Point Lookout Road and Chingville Road, resulting in one juvenile fatality and life-threatening injuries to two others. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) reported that a 2008 Honda Odyssey, driven by 27-year-old Ashley Nicole Nolan of Leonardtown, MD, flipped multiple times after failing to negotiate a turn, ultimately crashing into a tree.
Upon their arrival at approximately 1:44 a.m., law enforcement officers discovered the vehicle overturned, with its occupants in critical condition. The SMCSO Collision Reconstruction Unit’s initial findings suggest the vehicle veered off the road while traveling north on Point Lookout Road due to failed navigation of a turn by Nolan.
Three juvenile passengers were found improperly restrained, leading to two being ejected from the vehicle. They were urgently transported to area trauma centers with severe injuries. Tragically, the third juvenile was pronounced dead after being taken to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital.
Nolan herself sustained minor injuries in the crash and received medical treatment at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with alcohol and speed believed to be significant contributing factors.
Sheriff Steve Hall expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, “No day should ever begin with news like this. It is both difficult to process and to believe. Based on the preliminary investigative information, decisions were made that have caused the loss of the innocent and marred the lives of families in our communities forever.”
The Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or the events leading up to it. Witnesses are urged to contact Corporal Dale Reppel at Dale.Reppel.stmaryscountymd.gov or by calling 240-496-6694, as their input could be crucial to the ongoing investigation.
In the face of such tragedy, the community and law enforcement come together to mourn the loss and seek answers in the hope of preventing future accidents. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly the crucial role of seat belts and the dangers of impaired and reckless driving.
