Two UMES students killed, two critically injured in car crash
Campus Condolences
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore lost two of its Hawks.
On Sunday, October 6th, four students were involved in a serious car crash in Seaford, Delaware. 18-year-old freshman Makayla Belton and 22-year-old junior Eric Stanley both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Many students have gathered to grieve and try to make sense of it all, and a vigil was held for the campus community to grieve during this loss. In that car was also an 18-year-old freshman and a 22-year-old junior, who were both critically injured. Delaware State Police reported they suspect the other vehicle’s driver was under the influence.
The SGA declared it Campus Mental Health Day, and Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Experience Latoya Jenkins said counseling sessions were held the night of the incident and the next day for those who needed it. She says their primary goal now is to help the students and staff deal with this loss.
“As a small, close-knit community, we are all feeling the impact, and so today as I’m talking to students, faculty, and staff, there is a sadness and some grief on campus… Those counseling services will look like individual counseling, and meeting those needs, as well as group counseling for people who want to come in and be amongst their peers of students, staff, or faculty. ”
Jenkins says resources will continue this week in room 2260, at the Student Service Center. She says the reason they were able to pull together resources for students so quickly, is because they have a plan for unfortunate events, such as this one, where the administration needs to act fast and reach as many students as possible.
The University says students who need additional counseling resources should call 410-651-6649. They are glad their students were acting responsibly, but that didn’t save their lives. They hope this incident will inspire everyone on campus and off, to drive safely and drink responsibly.
The driver, who is a 24-year-old male from Georgetown, and his 40-year-old passenger did suffer serious injuries. Delaware State Police says this s investigation is ongoing, and the public is asked if they have any information to contact Master Corporal K. Argo by calling 302-703-3264.
