BERLIN — A Severna Park man and Salisbury University senior lost his life in a single-vehicle collision on Route 589 on Sunday evening.
Around 5:40 p.m. on Sunday, Maryland State Police troopers from the Berlin barrack responded to a single-vehicle personal injury accident on northbound Route 589 just south of Route 113. The initial investigation revealed a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, operated by Valentine Aaron Ronk, 22, was traveling north on Route 589 when it left the right side of the roadway and overturned several times in a grassy area before coming to a rest.
Ronk, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was transported by Maryland State Police Trooper 4 helicopter to Peninsula Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. The Maryland State Police Accident Reconstruction Team responded to conduct an investigation. The investigation is ongoing.
By Monday morning, a Go Fund Me fundraiser had been set up in the victim’s name to help raise funds for the Ronk family to assist with funeral expenses. By Wednesday afternoon, over $4,015 has been raised with the stated goal of $4,000.
“Valik was one of the kindest souls to ever walk this earth,” the fundraiser organizer wrote. “His positivity and energy lit up a room and you couldn’t help but smile when talking to him. He cared so deeply for others and their well-being. He was and is loved by so many.”
The Salisbury University community is also mourning the loss of Ronk in the car crash in Worcester County on Sunday evening. On Wednesday, a candlelight vigil was held on campus to remember Ronk’s life.
