FRUITLAND, Md. — One Salisbury University student has died and two others were injured after a car crashed into Coulbourn Mill Pond in Wicomico County on Wednesday night.
Emergency crews responded to the scene shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 11. According to investigators, a Honda Civic was traveling on South Division Street when it drove through a stop sign. The driver attempted to navigate the turn at the intersection but crashed through a guardrail and into the pond.
The Fruitland Fire Department, Salisbury Fire Department, Salisbury Special Operations, and the Sharptown Dive Team all responded. Crews rescued one person who was found on top of the vehicle, while two others were pulled from inside the submerged car.
One patient was transported to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Medical Center. Two critically injured patients were flown to Shock Trauma in Baltimore by Maryland State Police helicopters.
On Thursday, authorities identified the victim as Matthew Garcia, 18, of Rockville, who is believed to have been driving the Civic. He did not survive his injuries. The two passengers, both 18, are from Takoma Park, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
Police say speeding may have been a factor in the crash. Salisbury University confirmed that all three individuals are students. Counseling services are being offered to support the campus community.
