Boozing, Speeding Driver Paid with His Life
His two passengers in critical condition after losing control while passing in a no passing zone; forcing innocent driver off the roadway

WALDORF --- On February 29 at 5:18 p.m., Charles County Sheriff’s Officers report that they responded to the 15200 block of Woodville Road in Waldorf for the motor vehicle crash. Investigation revealed a 2002 Ford Explorer was traveling eastbound on Woodville Road when a 1997 Ford F250 truck attempted to pass it in a no passing zone.
The driver of the truck lost control of the vehicle while attempting to pass and the truck subsequently left the roadway and struck several trees.
The driver of the truck and one of the passengers were ejected from the vehicle. The cab of the truck became separated from the rest of the truck. A third occupant of the truck was able to escape from the cab after it came to rest on the roadway.
The rest of the truck continued in motion and struck the Explorer, forcing the Explorer to leave the roadway.
The driver of the truck, Michael David Edelen, 23, of Brandywine, was pronounced dead at the scene. Richard Eugene Wines, 21, of Upper Marlboro, who was also ejected, sustained life-threatening injuries and was flown to Prince George’s General Hospital. He is listed in critical condition. The second passenger in the truck, Michael Garrett Goldsmith, 21, of Brandywine, sustained incapacitating injuries and was also flown to Prince George’s General Hospital. His injuries were said to be non-life-threatening.
The driver of the Explorer, Francis Lee Wilkinson, 22, of Brandywine, sustained incapacitating injuries and was transported by ambulance to Southern Maryland Hospital Center, where his injuries were said to be non-life-threatening.

Speed and alcohol are considered factors. Initial investigation reveals none of the victims was wearing a seatbelt.

PFC R. Padgett of the Traffic Operations Unit is investigating the crash.