Maryland State Police Investigating Fatal Motorcycle Crashes

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police over the weekend responded to three different fatal motorcycle crashes within 24 hours in Anne Arundel, Queen Anne’s and Charles counties.

An 18-year-old rider died after a crash on Sunday in Anne Arundel County. Emergency medical services personnel pronounced Joseph Maeda Raiger, of Alexandria, Virginia, deceased at the scene. Troopers from the Annapolis Barrack responded at about 5:30 p.m. to a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 97 North near Crownsville. Investigators believe Raiger lost control of his 2020 Yamaha motorcycle before crashing in a median.

Another motorcyclist, Cody Morris, 21, of Grasonville, Maryland, died Sunday following a three-vehicle crash in Queen Anne’s County. Emergency medical services personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene. Troopers from the Centreville Barrack responded to the crash at about 12:35 a.m. on Route 50 West, north of Route 404 in Queenstown. According to a preliminary investigation, Morris was operating a 2005 Yamaha motorcycle when it struck an impact attenuator. 

On Saturday, a motorcyclist died after crashing in Charles County. Markese Al-Kwonand Nelson, 44, of California, Maryland, was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical services personnel. Troopers from the La Plata Barrack responded to the crash at about 6:50 p.m. on southbound Old Leonardtown Road and Homeland Drive in Hughesville. Investigators suspect Nelson lost control of his 2016 Harley-Davidson before overturning in a center median.

Maryland State Police are reminding motorists to share the road and for motorcycle operators to ride safely and defensively. Always wear a helmet because it’s the law. The causes of all three crashes are under investigation.

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CONTACT: Office of Media Communications, msp.media@maryland.gov