Snow Hill, MD – September 4, 2025 -The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a devastating single-vehicle crash that claimed the lives of 18-year-old Luke Jason Hawthorne of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and 18-year-old Munir Loyan Morris of Capital Heights, Maryland—both students at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
The crash was reported around 8:18 p.m. on September 3 along Nassawango Road near Camp Road in the Snow Hill area. According to investigators, a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck was traveling southbound when the driver failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle left the roadway, striking several trees before coming to a stop.
Authorities identified the driver as Hawthorne, who was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, Morris, was critically injured and flown by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to TidalHealth Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. Tragically, he later died from his injuries.
The Sheriff’s Office confirmed there were no additional passengers in the truck.
Investigators are continuing to piece together the events that led to the crash. At this time, it remains unclear what factors contributed to Hawthorne losing control of the vehicle.
During the investigation, deputies learned that both Hawthorne and Morris were first-year students at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. School officials were notified promptly and assisted authorities in locating and contacting their families.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy for the families and for the UMES community,” a university spokesperson said in a statement. “Luke and Munir were just beginning their journeys here, and their loss will be deeply felt by classmates, faculty, and staff. We are offering counseling and support services for all students as we grieve together.”
Local residents expressed sorrow upon learning of the accident, noting that Nassawango Road can be particularly dangerous due to its sharp curves and limited visibility in wooded areas.
Funeral arrangements for both young men are pending, and UMES officials are planning a campus vigil to honor their memories.
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Maryland State Police Crash Team, continues to investigate.
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