James Michael Lacey, 66, Killed in Tragic Pedestrian Crash in Leonardtown; Authorities Investigating Fatal Collision Involving Chevrolet Silverado and Chevrolet Colorado

LEONARDTOWN, MD – A tragic pedestrian accident on Wednesday afternoon claimed the life of 66-year-old James Michael Lacey. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of Maryland Route 5 (Point Lookout Road) and Maryland Route 4 (St. Andrews Church Road), involved Lacey’s Chevrolet Colorado and a Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 33-year-old man. The fatal collision has prompted a thorough investigation by the Maryland State Police Crash Team and authorities, who shut down a portion of MD Route 5 for several hours.

At approximately 4:22 p.m. on Wednesday, Maryland State Police from the Leonardtown Barrack responded to reports of a pedestrian crash at the intersection of Maryland Route 5 and Route 4. Upon arrival, first responders found James Michael Lacey, a 66-year-old man from the area, unresponsive at the scene. Despite the immediate efforts of emergency medical personnel to revive him, Lacey was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

According to preliminary investigations, Lacey had pulled his Chevrolet Colorado to the shoulder of Maryland Route 5, activating his vehicle’s emergency flashers. For reasons not yet determined, Lacey had exited his vehicle and was standing outside when the crash occurred. He was struck by a Chevrolet Silverado, which was driven by a 33-year-old man. The driver, whose identity has not yet been released, reportedly veered off the roadway and struck Lacey before crashing into his parked truck.

In a press release, the Maryland State Police stated that the Silverado driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by ambulance to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment. Investigators from the Maryland State Police Crash Team have taken over the case to piece together the events that led to the fatal accident.

As of now, authorities have not indicated whether charges will be filed against the driver, with the case being referred to the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for further review once the investigation is completed. The accident prompted the temporary closure of Maryland Route 5 for over two hours, during which time investigators worked to gather evidence and determine the cause of the crash.

Details of the Crash and Investigation:

Witnesses at the scene reported seeing Lacey’s Chevrolet Colorado parked on the side of the road with its emergency flashers on before the crash occurred. Preliminary reports suggest that Lacey was standing outside of his truck at the time of the incident, though the reasons for his stopping at that particular location remain unclear.

Investigators are working to determine the precise cause of the crash. The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, a 33-year-old man, told authorities that he did not see Lacey standing outside the parked vehicle before the collision. However, Maryland State Police have not released any further details regarding the driver’s account of the crash or whether alcohol or drugs played a role.

Authorities are also working to determine whether any mechanical issues with either vehicle contributed to the accident. The Maryland State Police Crash Team has gathered surveillance footage from nearby businesses, as well as witness statements, in an effort to piece together what happened before the crash.

For now, investigators have focused on determining whether Lacey had any involvement in the cause of the crash. However, they have made it clear that the situation remains under active investigation, and anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to come forward and contact the Maryland State Police.

Impact on the Community and Road Safety Concerns:

This fatal accident has rocked the local community of Leonardtown and surrounding areas. James Michael Lacey’s family and friends are mourning his sudden loss, and many local residents have expressed concern over the safety of pedestrians and drivers along Maryland Route 5 and Route 4.

The crash also raises significant questions regarding road safety and the importance of ensuring that vehicles are parked properly when stopped on busy roadways. The Maryland State Police urge all drivers to remain cautious and vigilant when driving, particularly in high-traffic areas where pedestrians may be present.

The crash occurred at a critical intersection, and authorities have emphasized the importance of keeping both pedestrians and drivers safe on Maryland’s roadways. In light of this tragic accident, state and local authorities are re-evaluating traffic patterns, signage, and the need for additional pedestrian safety measures in the area.

In the wake of the crash, local lawmakers and traffic safety advocates are calling for increased education and awareness campaigns about pedestrian safety. Some are even suggesting the installation of additional warning signs and improvements to crosswalks to make the area safer for all road users.

Next Steps for the Investigation:

As the investigation into this crash continues, the Maryland State Police will examine all available evidence, including accident reconstruction data, witness testimony, and any other relevant information. In particular, investigators are focusing on whether there were any distractions or other factors that might have contributed to the driver veering off the roadway.

At this time, no charges have been filed against the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, but the case is still under review by the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. The public will be updated on the progress of the investigation as new information becomes available.

Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the Maryland State Police. Witnesses to the crash or anyone who may have seen Lacey’s vehicle or the Silverado in the moments leading up to the collision are particularly encouraged to come forward.

Conclusion:

This devastating crash in Leonardtown has left a community shaken and a family grieving. James Michael Lacey’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of traffic accidents and the importance of being vigilant and cautious while driving. As the investigation continues, both local and state authorities are working diligently to uncover the full details of what led to the crash and to ensure justice is served. In the meantime, the community of Leonardtown and surrounding areas are left to mourn the loss of a beloved man whose life was cut short in such a senseless manner.