A Darlington family is reeling after 41-year-old husband and father of two Eugene "Gene" Smith III was killed when a wrong-way driver struck his motorcycle on U.S. Route 1 near the Conowingo Dam. Relatives say Smith was on his way home to pick up his daughter for a school dance and never made it back. In the days since, loved ones have launched a fundraiser to help his wife and their two children cover funeral costs and urgent household expenses.
Crash details and investigation
Maryland State Police identified the rider as Eugene "Gene" Smith III, 41, who was operating a Kawasaki motorcycle along U.S. Route 1 at Castleton Road when a Honda Pilot traveling in the opposite lane hit him. Troopers say the crash remains under investigation and that they collected information at the scene, according to WMAR-2 News. Authorities have not released details about the other driver or whether any charges will be filed.
Family fund and community response
Family and friends quickly organized a GoFundMe to help Smith's wife, Kristina, and their two children with funeral expenses and ongoing bills. The campaign, created by Kerrie Blake on behalf of the family, remembers Gene as a devoted father and says his death has left the household "shattered." At the time of reporting, the fundraiser had brought in more than $44,000 toward its $50,000 goal.
What authorities say
Maryland State Police told local reporters that the investigation is active and ongoing and asked anyone with information or video related to the crash to come forward, according to WMAR-2 News. Residents with tips can contact the North East Barrack's non-emergency line at 410-996-7800, per the Maryland State Police. Investigators have not released additional information about what caused the Honda Pilot to be traveling the wrong way.
