Beloved Maryland Couple Married 70 Years Die Holding Hands After Car Crash

Kenneth and Marilyn Oland, high school sweethearts, passed away side-by-side in the hospital

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A beloved Maryland couple who were married for 70 years died holding hands in their hospital beds after being taken off life support following a horrifying car crash last week. Kenneth, 90, who was driving, and his 88-year-old wife Marilyn were rushed to the hospital and placed on life support after suffering complications from the collision on Route 15 near their Thurmont home.

Why it matters

The tragic loss of this long-married couple has deeply impacted their local community, where they were known as inseparable high school sweethearts who shared an incredibly close bond over seven decades of marriage.

The details

According to reports, the Olands were involved in a serious car accident on Route 15 near their Thurmont home. They were rushed to the hospital and placed on life support, but ultimately passed away while holding hands in their hospital beds after being taken off life support.

  • The car crash occurred last week.
  • Kenneth, 90, and Marilyn, 88, died on Monday.

The players

Kenneth Oland

A 90-year-old man who was driving the vehicle involved in the car crash.

Marilyn Oland

An 88-year-old woman who was Kenneth's wife and passenger in the vehicle involved in the car crash.

Nancy Echard

A heartbroken friend of the Olands who described them as an inseparable couple.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't think one could've lasted without the other. That's how tight they were. You always saw them together, no matter where you were.”

— Nancy Echard, Friend of the Olands (Fox 5)

The takeaway

The tragic loss of this beloved Maryland couple who shared 70 years of marriage highlights the profound impact of true lifelong love and devotion, as they remained inseparable until the very end.