Edward Coates dies in fatal Waldorf pedestrian crash
Fatal Waldorf pedestrian crash death of Edward Coates – Obituary
Edward Coates, a 44-year-old resident of Waldorf, lost his life after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross Route 301 just north of Smallwood Drive on May 30, 2025, around 1:58 p.m., according to Maryland State Police.
Initial reports reveal that Coates entered the northbound lanes outside of any designated or implied crosswalk area and was hit by a Chevrolet Traverse, which was being driven by 21-year-old Christian Watson of White Plains. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but Coates was declared deceased shortly thereafter.
The Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to the severity of the collision by launching a full investigation. Authorities are reviewing all contributing factors, including road conditions, vehicle speed, and driver impairment, though no conclusions have been made public yet.
The incident caused traffic disruptions along the busy corridor as investigators collected evidence and conducted a preliminary analysis. Sergeant J. Zimmerman is leading the case and is calling on any witnesses to assist the investigation by contacting him at 301-392-1231 or via email at justin.zimmerman@maryland.gov, referencing case number 25-MSP-017190.
As the investigation continues, officials stress that any details, no matter how minor, could be valuable in determining the exact cause of the crash. Further updates are expected once more findings are available.
