(WALDORF, MD) – Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that claimed the life of a 36-year-old man yesterday in Charles County.
The deceased is identified as Patrick Murphy, Jr., 36, of Waldorf, Maryland. He was the operator of a Yamaha motorcycle. The driver of a Ford explorer, identified as a 69-year-old male, was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Around 9:16 p.m. yesterday, troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to the area of Maryland Route 228 at Mill Hill Road for a report of a motorcycle crash. According to a preliminary investigation, the Ford was attempting to make a left turn from westbound Maryland Route 228 onto Mill Hill Road when, for unknown reasons, was struck by the motorcycle. Police believe speeding may have been a factor in the crash.
Lanes were closed for more than three hours for the crash investigation. Personnel from the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration and deputies from the Charles County Sheriff's Office assisted on the scene.
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 crash investigation remains active and ongoing.
