WALDORF, Md. — Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that claimed the life of a 36-year-old Waldorf man Thursday evening in Charles County.
The victim was identified as Patrick Murphy Jr., 36, of Waldorf. He was operating a Yamaha motorcycle at the time of the collision.
The crash occurred at approximately 9:16 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Maryland Route 228 and Mill Hill Road. Troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to the scene following reports of the crash.
A preliminary investigation determined that a 69-year-old man driving a Ford Explorer was attempting to make a left turn from westbound Maryland Route 228 onto Mill Hill Road when the motorcycle struck his vehicle. Police have indicated that speeding may have been a factor in the crash.
The driver of the Ford Explorer was injured in the collision and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment.
Following the crash, multiple lanes of Maryland Route 228 were closed for more than three hours while investigators worked. Personnel from the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration and deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office assisted troopers on scene with traffic control and the investigation.
The Maryland State Police have confirmed that the crash investigation remains active and ongoing.
The Maryland State Police continue to urge motorists and motorcyclists to slow down, share the road, and avoid aggressive, distracted, and impaired driving. Motorcyclists use the acronym ATGATT (all the gear, all the time). Whether it’s a five-minute ride or a five-hour ride, wear proper riding gear to be seen by motorists. Motorists, look twice, it could save a life. Check your blind spots regularly.
The preliminary investigation into the crash is the basis for the current understanding of the events. The left turn by the Ford Explorer is noted in the preliminary report. The collision with the motorcycle occurred for unknown reasons according to the investigation. The factor of speeding is noted by police in their preliminary findings.
The lane closure lasted more than three hours to allow for the full investigation at the scene. The personnel from the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration provided assistance during the investigation. The deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance during the investigation.
The urging to motorists and motorcyclists is part of the ongoing safety efforts by the Maryland State Police. The acronym ATGATT is used to emphasize the need for full gear on all rides. The advice to wear proper riding gear applies to all ride lengths. The advice to motorists is to look twice and check blind spots.
The investigation into the crash is continuing as authorities work to determine the full circumstances.
