Mechanicsville, Md. — A fatal two-vehicle crash on Maryland Route 235 at Mt. Zion Church Road claimed the life of Jean Gagnon, 59, of Mechanicsville, and injured two others on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at approximately 5:58 p.m. Maryland State Police from the Leonardtown Barrack are investigating the collision, which involved a GMC Envoy and a GMC Canyon.
Gagnon, the driver of the GMC Envoy, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the GMC Canyon, Casper Bradbury Sr., 92, and his passenger, Norma Bradbury, 90, both of Mechanicsville, were airlifted by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to MedStar Washington Hospital Center for treatment of their injuries. The extent of their injuries was not disclosed.
According to the preliminary investigation, the GMC Canyon, driven by Bradbury, was attempting to make a left turn from southbound Route 235 onto Mt. Zion Church Road. The vehicle failed to yield to the northbound GMC Envoy, driven by Gagnon, resulting in the Envoy striking the passenger side of the Canyon. The cause of the failure to yield remains under investigation.
Troopers from the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack responded to the scene, with assistance from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration. Route 235 was closed for approximately three hours to facilitate the investigation and clear the roadway.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation, which is ongoing. Upon completion, their findings will be submitted to the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges will be filed. The investigation is examining factors such as road conditions, vehicle mechanics, and driver actions to establish the precise cause of the crash.
