LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A tragic crash on March 19, 2025, at the intersection of Maryland Route 5 and Maryland Route 4 has left one man dead and another injured. The Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack is leading the investigation into the incident, which occurred in the afternoon and has shaken the local community.
Authorities responded to reports of a pedestrian crash at approximately 4:22 p.m. Upon arrival, they identified the deceased as 66-year-old James Michael Lacey. Investigators determined that Lacey had parked his Chevrolet Colorado on the northbound shoulder of Route 5 with its emergency flashers activated. The reason for his stop remains unclear.
At the same time, a Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 33-year-old man, veered off the road and struck both Lacey and his parked vehicle. First responders arrived to find Lacey unresponsive. Despite attempts to revive him with CPR, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Silverado sustained injuries and was transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment. His current condition has not been disclosed.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team is handling the investigation, which includes reconstructing the scene, examining vehicle damage, and interviewing witnesses. Once the inquiry is complete, the case will be reviewed by the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges will be filed against the driver of the Silverado.
The crash caused significant disruption, with Route 5 closed for over two hours as authorities conducted their investigation and cleared the scene. The closure impacted traffic during the evening commute, and local officials urged drivers to seek alternate routes. The loss of James Michael Lacey has deeply affected his family and the Leonardtown community, where he was known as a kind and devoted family man.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly in areas where pedestrians and vehicles share the roadway. The community is rallying around Lacey’s family during this difficult time, offering support and condolences as they grieve the loss of a beloved husband, father, and friend.
