CALIFORNIA, Md. (August 17, 2011)—Maryland State Police report that Mr. Devin Sweeting, 25, of Bowie, Prince George's County, was killed on Friday, August 12, in a single vehicle motorcycle accident in Park Hall, St. Mary's County. Mr. Sweeting is the latest of several people to die in the tri-county area this summer in lone motorcycle accidents.
Police were called to the scene of the accident in the area of Route 5 and Thompson Orchard Lane in Park Hall at approximately 2:00 p.m.
Investigators determined that Mr. Sweeting was operating his 2006 Yamaha R1 motorcycle, when for unknown reasons, it left the roadway. The motorcycle struck a cement culvert and overturned onto its right side. The motorcycle skidded along the culvert for approximately 170 feet, with Mr. Sweeting still positioned on the motorcycle. The motorcycle continued sliding, subsequently colliding with a utility pole.
Mr. Sweeting was flown from the scene by Trooper 7 to Baltimore Shock Trauma where he succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced deceased at 6:07 p.m. by Dr. Stein.
Preliminary investigation indicates driver error along with possible speed as a factor in the accident.
Trooper First Class J. Gibson investigated.