John Louis Petri Jr. Obituary, Death – A 28-year-old man from Westminster died in a single-vehicle crash in Carroll County early Saturday morning, according to Maryland State Police. The victim, identified as John Louis Petri Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency medical services personnel responded to the incident.
Police reported that the crash occurred at approximately 1:40 a.m. Troopers were dispatched to the area of Maryland Route 97 near Mayberry Road following reports of a serious accident. When they arrived, they discovered that a Honda CRV traveling north on Route 97 had gone off the roadway under unclear circumstances.
Investigators said the vehicle overturned during the crash, striking several objects along its path, including a fence, a telephone pole, and eventually coming to rest after colliding with a house. Fortunately, no one inside the residence was injured, and no additional injuries were reported at the scene.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the Honda to leave the road. At this stage of the investigation, police have not released any information indicating whether speed, impairment, or weather conditions may have contributed to the crash.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team has taken the lead on the investigation and will be examining all possible factors. As part of their standard procedure, they are expected to conduct a thorough reconstruction of the crash to determine what led to the vehicle leaving the roadway.
Local emergency services and law enforcement officials worked together to secure the scene and assist with the investigation. Traffic on Maryland Route 97 was temporarily affected while authorities responded and cleared the area.
Petri’s sudden death has left the Westminster community in shock. Friends and family are now grieving the unexpected loss of a young man whose life ended abruptly in the early hours of the morning.
The incident underscores the dangers of roadway crashes, even those involving only a single vehicle. Authorities often remind motorists to exercise caution, avoid distractions, and remain alert, especially during late-night and early-morning hours when fatigue can be a factor.
As the investigation continues, the Maryland State Police are expected to release additional details once more information is available. In the meantime, Petri’s family awaits answers as officials work to determine what caused the tragic crash.
This fatal incident marks another case in which state police are called to investigate deadly roadway accidents in Carroll County and across Maryland. While no other lives were lost in this crash, the impact on Petri’s loved ones and the local community is profound.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not provided a timeline for when results might be released. For now, the official cause of the crash is listed as undetermined pending further review by the Maryland State Police Crash Team.
