Smithsburg teen killed in one-car accident

December 12, 2004|By MARLO BARNHART and TARA REILLY

SMITHSBURG

The 17-year-old driver of a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier was killed Saturday morning in a single-vehicle accident in the 23000 block of Fruit Tree Drive near Smithsburg, the Washington County Sheriff's Department said.

Ryan Edward Markle, of 13703 Newcomer Road in Smithsburg, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a press release issued by Deputy 1st Class David S. Smith, who investigated the 9:30 a.m. accident.

A 17-year-old male passenger - Aaron Christopher Lewis, 17, of 24706 Walnut Ave. in Cascade - was in serious condition at Washington County Hospital Saturday, according to a nursing supervisor.

Speed was believed to be the main cause of the accident, Smith said.

Witnesses told police that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and slid off the road while trying to overtake another vehicle. The vehicle then hit a tree, according to the press release.

Contacted by telephone Saturday night, Ryan's father, Michael, said his son was a senior at Smithsburg High School.

"He was our only son," Michael Markle said.

Ryan also was the son of Diana Markle and the older brother of Jillian Markle, 11.

- Marlo Barnhart

and Tara Reilly

|

|

|