Linda K. Burke
Port Republic, MD – A spokesman for the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office reported Wednesday, May 20 that fatigue on the part of the at-fault driver might be the main factor that resulted in a two-vehicle collision on Broomes Island Road May 13. That crash claimed the life of a Calvert County woman and injured three, including two boys.
“The at fault driver in this crash crossed over the center line for reasons that are unknown,” stated Patrol Bureau Commander Captain Todd Ireland. “The investigation is indicating the cause of the crash may be medical or fatigue related. All of the evidence gathered from the scene, witness statements, interviews, collision data recorder and cell phone downloads are consistent with the actions of a driver who may have blacked out or fallen asleep behind the wheel. Crash Reconstruction Team members have a few more items of evidence to analyze before this case can be closed.”
The lead investigator is Cpl. Anthony C. Moschetto.
The preliminary investigation determined that a 2009 Ford Edge driven by Karen Veid, 55 of St. Leonard was traveling south on Broomes Island Road shortly before 6 p.m. when it crossed the center line and struck head-on a 2014 Ford Focus driven by Linda K. Burke, 46 of Port Republic.
Burke was flown to Washington MedStar where she died a short time later. Two boys, ages 8 and 11, who were passengers in the Focus were flown to Children’s Hospital in Washington, DC with nonlife-threatening injuries. Veid was flown to Prince George’s Hospital Center.
According to the Rausch Funeral Home web site, services for Burke will be held Friday morning May 22 at the funeral home’s Lusby location beginning at 11 a.m.
Burke was described by one friend who posted condolences as a “busy, concerned mom-volunteer.” Organizations Burke was involved with included the Mutual Elementary School PTA, Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry, Friends of Felines, Project Echo and the Ronald McDonald House.
A trust fund has been established to aid Burke’s four children.
Anyone who may have witnessed the May 13 collision is asked to call Moschetto at 410-535-2800.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com