OCEAN CITY — More details emerged on Friday on the horrific collision involving a motorcycle and a pick-up truck on Thursday afternoon that claimed the life of a Montgomery County man.
At 12:08 p.m. on Thursday, a motorcycle traveling north on Coastal Highway at speeds estimated at around 100 mph collided with a Ford F-350 pick-up truck attempting to make a right turn onto 28th Street. The motorcycle driver, later identified as Eric Del Marr, 24, of Germantown, Md., was deceased upon the arrival of first responders. The driver of the pick-up, a 19-year-old North Beach, Md. man, was not injured in the collision.
The preliminary investigation revealed a Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) officer attempted to stop the motorcycle after witnessing Del Marr do a “wheelie” at a high rate of speed. The MDTA officer witnessed the traffic violation in the northbound lanes of Coastal Highway at 45th Street minutes before the fatal collision.
According to police reports, De Marr then made a U-turn on Coastal Highway at 56th Street and began traveling south. Del Marr then fled from the officer at which time the officer did not pursue the motorcycle and lost sight of the driver. Other police units observed Del Marr as he traveled southbound on Coastal Highway and reported his location via police radio.
It was later determined after making a U-turn at 56th Street, Del Marr traveled southbound on Coastal Highway until 33rd Street, where he briefly turned west and then re-entered Coastal Highway at 32nd Street. Del Marr then made a U-turn at 23rd Street and traveled north on Coastal Highway at a high rate of speed before colliding with the pick-up truck at 28th Street.
The OCPD Traffic Safety Unit, the Patrol Division and the Criminal Investigation Division are continuing the investigation, which will likely take weeks to complete. Further updates will be provided pending the completion of the investigation. Meanwhile, OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro issued a statement on the incident on Friday afternoon.
“Yesterday, Ocean City experienced a catastrophic tragedy that was avoidable and will most certainly be remembered by those who witnessed it for a long time to come,” the statement reads. “As we go into a busy weekend and a busy summer season, I ask that you please put safety first. Remember to Walk Smart, use crosswalks and cross with the signal. Remember to Drive Smart by paying close attention to the road, don’t drive distracted and follow the speed limit and the rules of the road. We want you to have an enjoyable experience in Ocean City, but above all, we want you to be safe.”
