Correction appended
A university student was struck and killed while riding in the front passenger seat of a Jeep Cherokee early Saturday morning at the intersection of Metzerott Road and University Boulevard, police said.
The student, who was identified as sophomore Matthew Watson of Ellicott City, was riding in the vehicle about 3:20 a.m. when it was struck by a westbound Ford pickup truck as the Jeep turned left onto Metzerott Road near The Courtyards student housing complex, said Maj. Kevin Davis, commander of police District 1, which includes College Park.
The driver of the pickup truck is a 24-year-old man who does not attend this university, Davis said. The driver fled the scene on foot, but was found a few hours later lying on the side of the road about a third of a mile away from the scene. The driver appeared intoxicated, Davis added.
“Matthew Watson’s bright young life was tragically taken by yet another person who made a decision to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol,” Davis said in an e-mail. “My thoughts and prayers remain with his family and friends during this very difficult time.”
Police are still investigating the crash and did not release the name of the driver or anyone else involved in the accident.
Friends who could be reached last night said they were deeply saddened by the loss. Rob Turer, a sophomore at the University of Michigan and high school friend of Watson, said he and his friends have been sitting around, sharing happy memories of Watson.
Turer said Watson was always in search of a good time, and his wit and spontaneity made even the dullest nights wonderful. Watson was up for anything, Turer said, even bowling at 1 a.m.
“He was never a downer,” said sophomore accounting major Dan Grufferman, who had known Watson since the fourth grade. “He was always positive, always laughing, just a good guy who wanted to have fun.”
Watson’s fun-loving personality transcended social circles. As a saxophone player he was friends with kids in the band, and as a football player he was friends with the jocks, Turer said.
Nicole Fasulo, a high school friend, didn’t find it hard to imagine why. Regardless of how awkward a situation might be, Watson would crack a joke to lighten the mood. And whenever a friend was in need, Watson was there for support, she said.
“He’s one of those guys [who] no matter what he was always there for you,” Fasulo said. “He was always someone you could lean on or talk to. He would lend an ear.”
A Facebook event says a service will be held on Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Church of the Resurrection in Ellicott City.
Arrangements for a bus to transport friends from College Park are in the works, Turer said.
Senior staff writer Kevin Rector contributed to this report. Contact reporter Steven Overly at overlydbk@gmail.com.
The original version of this story was unclear about which vehicle was turning left when it was struck. The Jeep carrying Matt Watson was turning left onto Metzerott as it headed eastbound onto University Boulevard.
