Easton, MD – According to Maryland State Police, the Crash Team is ongoingly investigating a fatal motor vehicle incident that resulted in the death of a 30-year-old man in Caroline County on February 27, 2026.
The victim has been identified as Joseph Dsouza, a resident of Ridgely, Maryland. Dsouza, who was operating a 2017 Kia Sorento, was declared deceased at the scene by emergency medical services personnel. The crash occurred shortly before 2:00 p.m. on Maryland Route 480, north of Eveland Road.
Accompanying Dsouza in the vehicle was Hillary Coelho, 50, originally from Kuwait. Coelho sustained injuries and was airlifted by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a nearby trauma center, where he received continued medical care.
The other driver involved was James Sherry, 50, from Greensboro, Maryland, who was behind the wheel of an Isuzu box truck. Sherry also suffered injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Upon arrival at the scene, troopers from the Easton Barrack discovered both vehicles off the roadway. Preliminary findings indicate that the Isuzu box truck, while traveling northbound on Route 480, veered across the center line into the southbound lane. In an apparent effort to avoid a head-on collision, Dsouza’s Kia Sorento moved onto the southbound shoulder, where the impact took place.
Emergency responders from the Easton Barrack of the Maryland State Police, along with Caroline County emergency medical services, promptly attended to the incident. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration assisted by managing road closures and establishing detours, as the roadway was temporarily shut down to facilitate the investigation and cleanup.
The Caroline County State’s Attorney’s Office was duly notified regarding the circumstances of the crash. At this stage, the exact cause remains undetermined, though investigators suspect that impairment could have played a role. Potential charges are pending the completion of the inquiry.
Additionally, troopers from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division conducted a thorough post-crash inspection of the Isuzu box truck to assess any mechanical factors that might have contributed to the accident.
This tragic event underscores the importance of road safety in rural areas like Caroline County, where Route 480 serves as a vital corridor for local traffic. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the effort to piece together the sequence of events, ensuring a comprehensive analysis to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The investigation continues, and authorities are urging motorists to remain vigilant, especially on two-lane roads prone to such deviations. As more details emerge, updates will be provided to the public.
In a related note from the article, the involvement of the Aviation Command highlights the critical role of specialized response units in remote crash sites, airlifting Coelho for timely medical intervention. Furthermore, the notification to the State’s Attorney exemplifies the procedural rigor applied in fatal incidents to uphold justice.
crash, Maryland, fatal accident, Caroline County, State Police, investigation, road safety For more information, visit Maryland State Police.