On
October 8, 2017 at approximately 9:07 P.M., patrol officers from the St. Mary’s
County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the serious motor vehicle collision
in the area of Three Notch Road and Friendship School Road. Arriving officers
discovered two vehicles involved in the collision, with two occupants ejected
from one of the vehicles. The St Mary's County Sheriff's Office Collision
Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.
Preliminary
investigation determined a 1999 Volkswagen Passat, operated by Brian Harding,
age 43, of Mechanicsville, was traveling south on Three Notch Road. Witnesses
report the Passat was traveling at a high rate of speed when it suffered a tire
failure. Harding lost control of the vehicle causing it to enter the grass
median and into the northbound lanes. The Passat was then struck by a 2016 Ford
Expedition, operated by Carrie Eubanks, age 40, of Leonardtown. Harding and his
passenger, Christopher Goldsmith, age 44, of Mechanicsville, were ejected from
their vehicle.
Brian
Harding and Christopher Goldsmith were pronounced deceased on the scene. Carrie
Eubanks and a juvenile passenger were transported to MedStar St. Mary's
Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Two other juvenile occupants were
flown to Children’s Hospital Center with non-life threatening injuries.
At
this time speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors. Anyone who
may have witnessed the collision or any events leading up to the collision is
asked to call Corporal Brandon Foor #235 at 301-475-4200
ext 2265.
