Head-On Crash on Route 234 Leaves One Dead and One Airlifted to Hospital

Incident Information

Maryland State Police are investigating a serious head-on collision in Charlotte Hall that left one driver dead and another hospitalized after being airlifted from the scene.

Troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack, along with deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, responded around 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, to Maryland Route 234 (Budds Creek Road) at Stines Store Road for a report of a serious crash. Due to the severity of the collision, the Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to take over the investigation.

Investigators said a 2016 Mazda 6 driven by Nathan Cooper, 22, of Mechanicsville, Maryland, was traveling westbound on Route 234 near Stines Store Road. At the same time, a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer driven by Dale Bradley, 72, of King George, Virginia, was traveling eastbound in the same area.

For reasons still under investigation, police said the Mazda crossed the centerline and collided head-on with the Chevrolet Blazer. Bradley was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities. Cooper was transported by Maryland State Police Aviation Command (Trooper 7) to Capital Region Hospital in Largo, Maryland, with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, police reported.

As the investigation continues, state police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Sgt. J. Zimmerman of the MSP CRASH Team at (301) 392-1231 or submit a statement by email at justin.zimmerman@maryland.gov. Police said the completed investigation will be presented to the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office for review of potential charges.

What Should You Do After a Wreck in Baltimore?

If you experience a vehicular accident, it’s critical that you take immediate steps to ensure your short-term and long-term wellbeing. The first step you need to take is to move to a safe area after a crash if you’re able. You should then assess the degree to which you were injured and call 911 if necessary. If you experienced injuries that require medical assistance, make sure to accept medical treatment while at the scene of the crash.

While you remain at the scene of the crash, it’s critical that you avoid discussing fault, admitting liability, or giving a statement to your insurance company before calling a Maryland car accident attorney. Expert traffic accident attorneys can help you through the process of the legal and insurance ramifications of your case, and they can assist you in protecting the value of your claim.