By Carly Kempler and Angela Jacob
Senior staff writers
Kaley Smith, a former University of Maryland student, died in a car accident late Friday night, according to a news release from the Anne Arundel County Police Department.
Smith, 21, graduated from this university in fall 2016, majoring in finance and marketing. She was also an active member of this university’s Delta Delta Delta sorority chapter, as well as in the Greek community.
Smith was traveling east on Maryland Route 450 near Huntwood Drive in Gambrills when her vehicle left the road and hit a tree, according to the release. Officers responded to the single overturned car crash at 11:12 p.m.
Officers and fire department personnel found Smith trapped in her car and pronounced her dead at the scene, according to the release. She was later transported to the medical examiner’s office in Baltimore for an autopsy.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, though police reports indicate rain could have been a contributing factor. Smith was wearing her seat belt at the time of the crash, but it is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a role, according to the release.
Smith was the only one involved in the crash, according to the release. There were no witnesses of the incident.
The Delta Delta Delta chapter at this university has started a fundraising page in Smith’s honor for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is the chapter’s philanthropy. They are asking for those looking to memorialize Smith to make a donation to the page.
The chapter has also created a scholarship in Smith’s memory, according to the group’s Facebook page.
The Anne Arundel County Police Department urges anyone with information about where Smith was traveling to or from to contact its office at 410-222-8573.
Any additional information would be useful for her family and the investigation, said police spokeswoman Sgt. Jacklyn Davis.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
