Anne Arundel County and Great Mills Communities Mourn Lives Lost in Two Tragic Traffic Collisions
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD / GREAT MILLS, MD — Heartbreak and grief have swept across two Maryland communities following two fatal traffic incidents that occurred just a day apart, claiming the lives of three young men. The devastating tragedies—one involving a fatal crash on Interstate 97 in Anne Arundel County, and the other a deadly moped vs. truck collision in Great Mills—have left loved ones reeling and prompted renewed calls for road safety and awareness.
Fatal I-97 Crash Claims Lives of Two Friends: Thomas Sellman III and Marcus James Jr.
The tight-knit South County towns of Churchton and Shady Side are in mourning after two lifelong friends—Thomas Oliver Sellman III, 30, of Churchton, and Marcus Eric James Jr., 29, of Shady Side—were tragically killed in a violent crash on Interstate 97 late Tuesday night, June 17, 2025.
According to the Maryland State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 10:15 p.m. when the vehicle the two men were traveling in lost control on a southbound stretch of I-97 near Exit 12 (Benfield Boulevard). The vehicle struck the median before rolling several times and coming to rest in the roadway. Both Sellman and James were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Investigators are working to determine what caused the crash. Preliminary reports suggest speed and road conditions may have been contributing factors, though a full reconstruction and toxicology report are pending. No other vehicles were reported to be involved.
Family and friends describe Thomas and Marcus as devoted sons, brothers, and beloved members of their community. They shared a passion for music, sports, and being active in local events. Both were well-known for their charisma, loyalty, and kindness.
“Tommy and Marcus grew up together—they were like brothers, always had each other’s backs,” said a childhood friend. “This loss hits hard because they weren’t just friends to us. They were family.”
Vigils are being planned in both Churchton and Shady Side to honor their memory, and the families are asking for privacy as they begin the difficult process of grieving.
Great Mills Moped Rider Killed in Collision at Chancellors Run Road
Just a day later, tragedy struck again—this time in Great Mills, where a moped rider was killed following a crash involving a pickup truck at the intersection of Chancellors Run Road and Longfields Boulevard on the evening of Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
At approximately 5:54 p.m., emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, where they found the moped rider suffering from life-threatening injuries. CPR was immediately administered as medics worked urgently to revive the victim. A medevac helicopter was requested but was ultimately canceled when the rider was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim’s identity has not yet been officially released, pending notification of next of kin, but community members have already begun mourning what many describe as a “deep and sudden loss.”
The intersection was shut down for several hours as St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office crash investigators examined the scene. It remains unclear who had the right of way or what led to the collision, though witnesses indicated the impact was severe.
Residents in the area say the intersection has long been a site of concern.
“It’s a dangerous place, especially for smaller vehicles like mopeds or bicycles,” said one witness. “The speed, the lighting, and the traffic flow—it’s all a recipe for disaster. Something has to change before more lives are lost.”
Communities Unite in Mourning and Resolve
The back-to-back tragedies have shaken residents across Southern Maryland, who are now calling for greater road safety measures—from speed regulation and increased signage to better visibility and improved traffic enforcement.
Local leaders have expressed their condolences and pledged support for the victims’ families.
“These losses are profound, and our hearts go out to everyone affected,” said a representative from the Anne Arundel County Executive’s office. “We will continue working with law enforcement and transportation officials to address roadway safety issues across the region.”
Meanwhile, memorials are growing at the crash sites. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes offer a quiet but powerful reminder of the lives lost and the pain left behind.
Final Words
In a matter of days, three lives full of promise and potential were extinguished in tragic roadway incidents. As families and communities begin the hard journey toward healing, they are united in their sorrow—and in their calls for change.
Thomas Oliver Sellman III, Marcus Eric James Jr., and the unidentified Great Mills moped rider are more than statistics. They were sons, friends, neighbors, and members of communities that will never be the same.
Rest in peace.
Your memories live on in the hearts of those who loved you. 🕊️
Authorities urge anyone with additional information about either incident to contact the Maryland State Police or the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.