Local News
32-year-old Harry Washington III Killed in Motorcycle Crash In Charles County
CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — Maryland State Police are actively investigating a fatal motorcycle crash and searching for a driver who fled the scene following a collision along Maryland Route 210 on Tuesday evening.
Authorities have identified the deceased motorcyclist as 32-year-old Harry Washington III, of Indian Head, Maryland.
Washington was operating a Suzuki motorcycle at the time of the crash.
A 9-year-old girl, believed to be his daughter, was riding as a passenger.
Both Washington and the child were transported by medical helicopter to area hospitals after the collision. Despite emergency efforts, Washington later died from his injuries.
The condition of the young passenger has not been publicly disclosed.
According to preliminary findings, the crash occurred around 7:40 p.m. near the intersection of Maryland Route 210 and Jenkins Lane.
Investigators say an orange 2013 Dodge Dart entered the southbound lanes of Route 210, crossing into the path of the oncoming motorcycle and causing the collision.
Following the crash, both the driver and a passenger in the Dodge Dart fled the scene on foot.
Authorities later confirmed that the passenger, identified as Jose Osmin Orellana Santamaria, 43, of White Plains, returned and requested medical assistance. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The driver of the Dodge Dart remains at large, and state police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist in locating the suspect.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the ongoing investigation. Officials are asking anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the driver to contact Sergeant Justin Zimmerman at 301-392-1200 or via email at justin.zimmerman@maryland.gov.
Traffic along Route 210 was shut down for nearly three hours as troopers conducted an on-scene investigation and crash reconstruction.
Assistance was provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.
In the wake of the crash, Maryland State Police are reminding drivers to practice safe driving habits, including avoiding aggressive, distracted, and impaired driving. Motorcyclists are encouraged to follow the “ATGATT” principle — All The Gear, All The Time — to improve visibility and protection on the road.
Motorists are also urged to remain vigilant, check blind spots, and “look twice” for motorcycles, especially at intersections.
The investigation into the fatal crash remains active and ongoing as authorities work to determine all contributing factors and locate the driver who fled the scene.
Local News
Two Experienced Skydivers Levi Pimentel and Georgia Jean Killed in Midair Collision Near Lake Elsinore
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Two experienced skydivers have died following a tragic midair collision near Lake Elsinore in Southern California after their parachutes became tangled during their final approach to the landing area.
The victims were identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota. Both women died Friday after the accident near Skydive Elsinore, according to information released by the skydiving company.
Officials with Skydive Elsinore said the collision occurred approximately 160 feet above the ground as the two women were approaching the landing area. Following the impact, their parachutes became entangled, preventing them from completing a safe landing.
Emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 11:47 a.m. and found both women near the airfield suffering from critical injuries. They were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where both later died.
Skydive Elsinore described Pimentel and Jean as experienced, licensed skydivers who were familiar with the sport.
According to the company, the freefall portion of the jump appeared to proceed normally. Both women reportedly deployed their parachutes at the expected altitude, and officials said there were no indications of equipment failures.
The company also addressed weather conditions at the time of the accident. Winds were reportedly strong, with gusts reaching approximately 20 mph. However, investigators have not determined whether the wind conditions contributed to the collision.
Skydive Elsinore said it was devastated by the deaths of the two women and extended its condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
The fatal accident occurred near Lake Elsinore, a city in Riverside County located approximately 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and officials have not established whether weather or other factors played a role in the incident.