Two UMES Freshman Killed in Car Accident

SNOW HILL, Md. – Two first-year students of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) were killed last night in a single-car accident in Snow Hill.

The crash occurred on Nassawango Road, and was reported at 8:18 p.m. An initial investigation by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office found that the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve and subsequently left the roadway, colliing with several trees.

The students, Luke Hawthorne of Bensalem, Pennsylvania and Munir Morris of Capitol Heights, Maryland, were both 18-year-old aviation science majors just starting out at UMES.

“This loss is heartbreaking. Luke and Munir had only just joined our Hawk family, full of hope and potential,” wrote UMES President Heidi M. Anderson in a statement released this morning. “It is painful to think of the lives they would have led, the contributions they would have made, and the friendships they would have formed within our community.”

In light of this news, the university has cancelled tomorrow’s classes. Students and faculty are encouraged to utilize counseling services available on campus, or reach out through the 24-Hour Crisis Line that can be reached at 410-651-HELP.