Snow Hill, MD (September 4, 2025) – A tragic single-vehicle crash in Worcester County has claimed the lives of two University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) students. The fatal collision occurred Wednesday evening, September 3, around 8:18 p.m., on Nassawango Road near Camp Road in the Snow Hill area.
According to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado pickup was traveling southbound on Nassawango Road when the driver failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle veered off the roadway and struck multiple trees before coming to a stop. Emergency responders arrived to find significant vehicle damage and two young occupants suffering from life-threatening injuries.
Medics and fire crews worked urgently to assist those involved. The driver, identified as 18-year-old Luke Jason Hawthorne of Bensalem, PA, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger, 18-year-old Munir Loyan Morris of Capital Heights, MD, was airlifted by Maryland State Police Aviation to TidalHealth Regional Hospital in Salisbury, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities confirmed that both victims were students at UMES. The university has been notified and is actively working with the students’ families to provide support during this devastating time.
No additional passengers were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Lt. Christopher Larmore of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit is leading the investigation. The cause of the crash remains under review.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and campus community mourning this tragic loss.
Single-Vehicle Crashes and Student Road Safety in Maryland
This heartbreaking crash on Nassawango Road underscores the dangers young drivers can face—especially on rural roads with sharp curves, limited lighting, and higher-speed travel. In this case, a single miscalculation or moment of inattention while navigating a curve led to catastrophic consequences for two college students at the beginning of their adult lives.
Rural roadways like those in Worcester County are often deceptively dangerous. Narrow shoulders, winding paths, and lack of barriers mean that a vehicle leaving the roadway has little protection before hitting fixed objects such as trees or utility poles. The crash that claimed the lives of Luke Hawthorne and Munir Morris follows a pattern often seen in fatal single-vehicle incidents involving young drivers—loss of control, off-road deviation, and high-impact collisions.
Young adults, particularly students, often face unique risks on the road. Fatigue, unfamiliar routes, distractions, and limited driving experience all contribute to the likelihood of serious crashes. University communities across Maryland have worked to improve safety awareness, but tragedies like this remind us that continued education and infrastructure improvements are vital.
The emotional impact of such a loss stretches beyond the crash site. Families, classmates, faculty, and friends are now grappling with unimaginable grief. Schools like UMES often activate counseling and grief resources in the wake of student fatalities, offering support for peers trying to process the sudden loss of two vibrant members of their community.
When fatal crashes occur, understanding what happened is not only important for closure—it also contributes to ongoing efforts to improve roadway safety and prevent future tragedies. Investigations by crash reconstruction units play a crucial role in identifying contributing factors such as speed, roadway design, weather conditions, or vehicle malfunction.
If you or someone you know is coping with the aftermath of a fatal crash, know that compassionate resources are available. From emotional support to practical legal and financial guidance, getting the right help can make a difference.
Losing someone in a tragic accident leaves a lasting void. At Local Accident Reports, we’re here to offer support when it’s needed most. We help connect grieving families and communities with local professionals who understand the complexities of wrongful death cases and can guide you through the next steps. If you’re looking for answers, support, or simply someone who understands—reach out today.
