In the early hours of September 1, a tragic incident unfolded on Three Notch Road in Charlotte Hall, Maryland, resulting in the death of a pedestrian. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office reported that around 1:37 a.m., their patrol units responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian at the intersection with Carpenter Lane.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse, driven by 41-year-old Samuel Robert Simmons of Saint Inigoes, was heading south when the vehicle ahead swerved, apparently to avoid a pedestrian in the roadway. Simmons attempted a similar maneuver but tragically could not prevent his vehicle from striking the pedestrian. The victim, identified as 39-year-old Lew William Chavis from Gaston, South Carolina, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have indicated that speed does not appear to have been a contributing factor in the accident. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit has taken over the ongoing investigation to determine the precise circumstances of the incident.
In the wake of the tragedy, law enforcement is reaching out to potential witnesses. Corporal Rachael Roszell, leading the investigative efforts, has urged anyone who witnessed the collision or events leading up to it to come forward. Witnesses are asked to contact her directly at 301-475-4200, extension 8108, or via email at Rachael.Roszell@stmaryscountymd.gov.
This fatal incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers pedestrians face and the importance of vigilance while driving, particularly in areas prone to foot traffic. The local community and authorities are likely to scrutinize this section of road to understand how such tragedies might be prevented in the future.
