The news our community received this morning concerning the tragic loss of life in a motor vehicle collision on Ritchie Marlboro Road is disheartening. Moreover, to learn that the life lost was that of a youth of our community, an 18 year-old Henry A. Wise Jr. High School student, is heartbreaking. No parent, loved one, or neighbor should have to bear the news of the tragic loss of life of a child, student, or friend. Our prayers, love, and support are with the family, friends, and community of the victim. I have found that in these moments, we as a community and district must pull together to comfort and console each other.

While it is still early in the investigation, and critical factors that may have contributed to the accident are being investigated by the Prince George’s County Police Department, we know that speed may have been a factor in this collision. Recently, my office was made aware of speeding concerns expressed by neighbors blocks away from the accident. While we understand that these complaints have been longstanding and go back to the last two years, I am committed to finding permanent solutions that eliminate motor vehicle deaths and avoidable collisions in our County.

I look forward in the coming days to working with stakeholders to identify areas within our district that need improvements to roadways, street lighting, and speed reduction/control measures.

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