LA PLATA, Md. (May 10, 2015)—On Saturday at approximately 11:37 p.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata barrack responded to a collision on eastbound Maryland Route 6 at Cooksey Road in La Plata. As a result of the collision the male driver, and sole occupant, was killed.
The victim has been identified as Joseph Michael Midgett, 36, of Mechanicsville. He was pronounced dead at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, La Plata, Maryland after being transported from the scene by ambulance. His body has been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.
A preliminary investigation conducted by troopers from the La Plata Barrack, with the assistance of a Collision Reconstruction Specialist, indicates a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado was travelling eastbound on Maryland Route 6 approaching Cooksey Road when the vehicle left the roadway for unknown reasons. The vehicle struck a guardrail, several trees and a bridge abutment. The vehicle became airborne and continued across Rodgers Mill Branch (a small creek). The driver was ejected from the vehicle prior to the vehicle coming to rest along the edge of the creek.
The driver was not immediately located and the area was searched. Due to the location of the collision the Charles County Volunteer Fire/EMS Dive Team responded to assist with the search. The driver was located submerged in Rodgers Mill Branch and was transported to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
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.