Rockville Teen Dies in Wicomico County Crash

Vehicle struck guardrail and ended up in pond, police investigating speeding as possible factor

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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An 18-year-old man from Rockville, Maryland died following a single-vehicle crash in Wicomico County, Maryland on Wednesday evening. The driver, identified as Matthew Garcia, failed to stop at a stop sign, struck a guardrail, and the vehicle came to rest in Coulbourn Mill Pond. Two passengers were also injured and transported to local hospitals.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the importance of safe driving, especially among young drivers. Speeding and failure to obey traffic signals can have devastating consequences, and authorities are investigating if those factors played a role in this fatal crash.

The details

According to police, around 8:41 p.m. on Wednesday, officers from the Fruitland Police Department responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on S. Division Street. The preliminary investigation indicates that the Honda Civic, operated by 18-year-old Matthew Garcia of Rockville, Maryland, failed to stop at a posted stop sign and proceeded into the intersection. Garcia then attempted to steer through the turn, continuing westbound before striking the top of the guardrail and coming to a rest in Coulbourn Mill Pond. Police believe speeding may have been a factor in the crash.

  • The incident occurred around 8:41 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Matthew Garcia

An 18-year-old from Rockville, Maryland who was the driver of the Honda Civic involved in the fatal crash.

Andy Fon Koh

An 18-year-old from Takoma Park, Maryland who was a passenger in the Honda Civic and was flown to a shock trauma center for treatment of his injuries.

Eyuael Zewdie

An 18-year-old from Washington, D.C. who was a passenger in the Honda Civic and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

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What’s next

The Maryland State Police Crash Team are leading the active and ongoing investigation into the fatal crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safe and responsible driving, especially for young drivers. Speeding and failure to obey traffic signals can have devastating consequences, and authorities will continue to investigate the factors that led to this fatal crash.