Eden crash claims life of 4-year-old girl, police investigating

EDEN, Md. – Maryland State Police are investigating a crash that claimed the life of a 4-year-old in Eden Wednesday morning.

Troopers were called to the area of Route 13 and Stockyard Road shortly before 8 a.m. for a reported two-car crash. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2020 Hyundai Elantra, being driven by the child’s father, 30-year-old Jalen Evans, crashed while reportedly trying to make a left from northbound Route 13 to Stockyard Road. A 2020 Mazda 3, being driven by 45-year-old Ricky Lavere Jr., allegedly hit the Hyundai while driving south on Route 13. We’re told the preliminary report indicates that the Mazda hit the rear passenger side of the Hyundai.

Police say they believe the 4-year-old girl was secured in a child safety seat at the time of the crash. She was airlifted to Nemours Children’s Hospital in Delaware, where she was pronounced deceased by medical personnel. Evans was taken by ambulance to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional.

No other injuries were reported.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.