LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 16, 2025) – A devastating car crash in Mechanicsville on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, claimed the life of one woman and left two others hospitalized. Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene near the intersection of Three Notch Road and Old Village Road at approximately 6:33 p.m. after receiving reports of a serious collision involving multiple injuries and one person ejected from a vehicle.
Initial findings from the investigation indicate that 28-year-old Melissa Marie Stallings of Mechanicsville was driving a 2000 Infiniti G20 eastbound on Old Village Road when she failed to yield the right of way at the intersection. As she attempted to cross Three Notch Road, her vehicle collided with a 2011 Toyota 4Runner traveling southbound. The Toyota was driven by 45-year-old Dawn Marie Kirkland of Bryantown.
The crash caused extensive damage to both vehicles, and the impact resulted in life-threatening injuries for Stallings and her two passengers. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene and requested air transport to nearby trauma centers. Despite the efforts of first responders and medical staff, Stallings was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Her two passengers, whose identities have not been released, remain hospitalized but are reported to be in stable condition. Kirkland’s injuries were not reported as severe.
Due to the severity of the incident, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit was called to the scene to investigate. Preliminary analysis has ruled out speed as a contributing factor. However, authorities continue to examine all aspects of the collision to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
The Sheriff’s Office has issued a public appeal for additional information. Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have witnessed the crash or the moments leading up to it. Witnesses who have not already provided a statement are encouraged to contact Corporal Rachael Roszell at 301-475-4200, ext. 8108, or email her at rachael.roszell@stmaryscountymd.gov.
