The Wicomico County community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 18-year-old Matthew Garcia of Rockville, Maryland, whose life was tragically cut short in a single-vehicle crash Wednesday evening. What began as an ordinary night quickly turned into a devastating tragedy that has left family members, friends, and loved ones grappling with unimaginable grief.
According to authorities, the crash occurred around 8:41 p.m. at the intersection of S. Division Street and Coulbourn Mill in Fruitland. Officers from the Fruitland Police Department responded to reports of a single-vehicle collision involving a Honda Civic. Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicle, believed to have been driven by Matthew Garcia, failed to stop at a posted stop sign before entering the intersection.
Investigators say that upon entering the intersection, the vehicle continued westbound as Garcia attempted to steer through the turn. The Honda subsequently struck the top of a guardrail before ultimately coming to rest in Coulbourn Mill Pond. Authorities believe that speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash. The Maryland State Police Crash Team has taken the lead in the active and ongoing investigation at the request of the Fruitland Police Department.
Emergency responders worked swiftly at the scene. Matthew Garcia was airlifted by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a nearby trauma center in an urgent effort to save his life. Despite the tireless efforts of medical personnel, he was later pronounced deceased.
Two passengers were also in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Andy Fon Koh, 18, of Takoma Park, Maryland, was flown to a shock trauma center for treatment of his injuries. Eyuael Zewdie, 18, of Washington, D.C., was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical care. Their conditions have not been publicly detailed, but the community continues to hope and pray for their recovery.
The crash led to the closure of lanes in the area for more than four hours as authorities conducted a thorough investigation. Troopers from the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack, along with officers from the Fruitland Police Department and emergency crews, assisted at the scene.
