Fatal Two-Vehicle Collision in Mechanicsville, Maryland Under Investigation by State Police
MECHANICSVILLE, Md. – April 25, 2025 — The Maryland State Police are actively investigating a tragic two-vehicle collision that resulted in one fatality and sent two elderly individuals to the hospital on Thursday evening in St. Mary’s County.
The accident occurred shortly before 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of Maryland Route 235 (Three Notch Road) and Mt. Zion Church Road. Troopers from the Leonardtown Barrack were dispatched to the scene at approximately 5:58 p.m. following reports of a serious crash involving two GMC vehicles—a GMC Envoy and a GMC Canyon.
According to the preliminary findings of the investigation, the collision happened when the driver of the GMC Canyon, identified as 92-year-old Casper Bradbury Sr., attempted to make a left-hand turn from southbound Route 235 onto Mt. Zion Church Road. In doing so, he reportedly failed to yield the right of way to a northbound GMC Envoy, driven by 59-year-old Jean Gagnon, also of Mechanicsville. The Envoy collided with the passenger side of the Canyon, causing severe damage and leading to devastating consequences.
Jean Gagnon was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel. The impact of the crash was fatal, and despite rapid response efforts, nothing could be done to save his life.
Casper Bradbury Sr. and his wife, 90-year-old Norma Bradbury, who was riding as a passenger in the GMC Canyon, sustained injuries as a result of the crash. They were airlifted by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command to MedStar Washington Hospital Center for emergency medical treatment. Their current conditions have not been publicly disclosed.
In response to the accident, personnel from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration assisted at the scene. Road closures were put into effect to allow for the investigation and safe cleanup of the crash site, leading to traffic disruptions for approximately three hours.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team has taken the lead in the ongoing investigation. As is protocol in serious accidents involving injuries or fatalities, the team is conducting a detailed reconstruction of the incident to determine all contributing factors, including vehicle speeds, visibility, road conditions, and driver actions. Upon conclusion of their analysis, their findings will be forwarded to the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. It will then be up to the prosecutor’s office to determine whether any charges will be filed.
At this time, no charges have been announced, and authorities emphasize that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The community of Mechanicsville has been deeply affected by the tragedy, as all individuals involved were local residents. Friends and neighbors have expressed their condolences to the family of Jean Gagnon and concern for the Bradburys as they recover.
Motorists are reminded to exercise caution at intersections and to remain vigilant when making left turns, especially on heavily trafficked routes such as Rt. 235. Authorities continue to urge the public to drive responsibly and to report any unsafe driving behavior.
More information will be released as the investigation progresses.