SU Freshman Dies, Two Others Injured After Car Crash into Pond

Authorities investigating single-vehicle incident that killed 18-year-old Matthew Garcia

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A single-vehicle crash in Salisbury, Maryland has left one Salisbury University freshman dead and two other students injured. The incident occurred on February 11 when a Honda Civic driven by 18-year-old Matthew Garcia failed to stop at a stop sign, struck a guardrail, and landed in Coulbourn Mill Pond. Garcia was pronounced deceased after being transported to a trauma center, while the two passengers, 19-year-olds Andy Fon Koh and Eyuael Zewdie, were hospitalized for their injuries.

Why it matters

The tragic accident has shaken the Salisbury University community, with the school offering counseling and support services to students, faculty, and staff. The incident also raises questions about road safety and driver behavior, particularly among young adults.

The details

According to authorities, the Honda Civic driven by Garcia was traveling on South Division Street when he failed to stop at a posted stop sign. Garcia then attempted to steer through the turn, continuing westbound before striking the top of the guardrail and landing in Coulbourn Mill Pond. Speeding is believed to have been a factor in the crash. The Salisbury and Fruitland fire departments, along with the Salisbury Special Operations and Sharptown Dive Team, responded to the scene and rapidly extricated the three passengers from the submerged vehicle.

  • The incident occurred around 8:41 p.m. on February 11, 2026.
  • Garcia was flown by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a trauma center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
  • Koh was flown by MSP Aviation Command to a shock trauma center for treatment of his injuries.
  • Zewdie was transported by ambulance to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional for treatment of his injuries.
  • Lanes were closed for more than four hours for the crash investigation.

The players

Matthew Garcia

An 18-year-old freshman and international business student at Salisbury University, who was the driver of the vehicle and died as a result of the crash.

Andy Fon Koh

A 19-year-old passenger from Takoma Park, Maryland, who was flown to a shock trauma center for treatment of his injuries.

Eyuael Zewdie

A 19-year-old passenger from Washington, D.C., who was transported by ambulance to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional for treatment of his injuries.

Salisbury University

The university where the three students were enrolled and which is offering counseling and support services to the campus community.

Maryland State Police (MSP)

The law enforcement agency investigating the single-vehicle crash at the request of the Fruitland Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“Last night, we were informed of a terrible car accident involving three Salisbury University students. It is with profound sadness that I share with you that we have been notified that one of the students, Matthew Garcia, has passed away as a result of that accident.”

— Dr. Carolyn Lepre, President, Salisbury University (Salisbury University)

“He will be missed by all of us at SU, as well as his friends and family at home. According to those closest to him, he was a good son and dedicated friend — kind-hearted, loyal, and always willing to lend a helping hand.”

— Dr. Carolyn Lepre, President, Salisbury University (Salisbury University)

What’s next

The Maryland State Police are conducting an ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash, and the university will release more information as it becomes appropriate.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has deeply impacted the Salisbury University community, highlighting the importance of road safety and the need for support services to help students and faculty cope with such a devastating loss.