Executive Summary
- Joseph Dsouza, 30, was killed in a collision on Maryland Route 480 in Caroline County.
- Preliminary reports indicate an Isuzu box truck crossed the center line, striking Dsouza’s vehicle on the shoulder.
- Two others were injured and transported to medical facilities.
- State Police are investigating potential impairment as a contributing factor in the crash.
RIDGELY, Md. — The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading an investigation into a fatal two-vehicle collision that occurred Friday afternoon in Caroline County, resulting in the death of a 30-year-old man and injuries to two others.
According to authorities, troopers from the Easton Barrack responded to a report of a crash on Maryland Route 480 north of Eveland Road shortly before 2 p.m. on February 27. Upon arrival, emergency responders located a 2017 Kia Sorento and an Isuzu box truck off the roadway. The driver of the Kia, identified as Joseph Dsouza, 30, of Ridgely, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services personnel.
A passenger in the Kia, identified as Hillary Coelho, 50, of Kuwait, was airlifted by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a local trauma center for treatment. The driver of the Isuzu box truck, identified as James Sherry, 50, of Greensboro, was transported to a local hospital.
Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that the Isuzu box truck was traveling northbound on Route 480 when it crossed the center line into the southbound lane. Investigators believe Dsouza attempted to avoid a head-on collision by steering the Kia onto the southbound shoulder, where the crash ultimately occurred. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration assisted with road closures and detours during the on-scene processing.
It is important to note that while the investigation is ongoing, all individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Investigative Outlook
The Maryland State Police Crash Team continues to analyze the evidence to determine the official cause of the crash. Authorities have stated that impairment is being investigated as a possible contributing factor, and charges are pending the outcome of the inquiry. Additionally, troopers from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division were dispatched to conduct a post-crash inspection of the Isuzu truck, a standard procedure in serious accidents involving commercial vehicles to ensure regulatory compliance and mechanical integrity.
