WALDORF, Md. (May 3, 2015)—Two people were killed this afternoon when the motorcycle they were riding crashed into the back of a pickup truck and caught fire.
The victims have been identified as Derek Anthony Colquitt, 47, of Washington, D.C., and Jeri Lanelle Whorton, 34, of White Plains. Colquitt, who was the operator of the motorcycle, was pronounced deceased on scene. The passenger of the motorcycle, Whorton, was ejected from the motorcycle. Whorton was transported to PG Hospital via MSP Aviation Trooper 7, where she succumbed to her injuries.
A preliminary investigation conducted by troopers from the La Plata Barrack, with the assistance of the Maryland State Police CRASH Team, indicates that shortly before 4:00 p.m. today, the driver of a 2013 Harley motorcycle was traveling southbound US RT 301 in the left turn lanes approaching Mattawoman-Beantown Road. For an unknown reason, Colquitt failed to control the motorcycles speed and struck the rear of a 2009 Dodge Ram, operated by Anthony Vanguard Branch. After striking the Dodge Ram, the motorcycle caught fire. Due to the collision, the Dodge Ram was pushed into the rear of a 2006 Lexus GS 300, operated by Tezzra Earlise Arrington. The passenger of the motorcycle, Whorton, was ejected from the motorcycle and struck a 2007 Lexus GS 350, operated by Preston Kenneth Arrington. A 2008 Honda Accord, operated by Antionette Maria Taylor, received damage from the accident debris. The left turn lanes of S/B US RT 301 at Mattawoman-Beantown Road had a steady red traffic signal, and the other 4 vehicles were stopped for the signal.
Investigation revealed the motorcycles speed was a factor in this collision. The passenger of the motorcycle, Whorton, was not wearing a DOT Approved motorcycle helmet.
Due to the severity of the crash and the amount of debris, troopers closed all of southbound US RT 301 at Cederville Road, and 3 of the northbound US RT 301 lanes at Mattawoman-Beantown Road for approximately 3 hours.
Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack at (301) 392-1200. The investigation is continuing.
Source: Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack