Off-Duty Gaston County Paramedic Fatally Struck While Acting as Good Samaritan at Florida Crash
Mary Jolly Car Accident – The Gaston County, North Carolina, community and its emergency medical services department are mourning the tragic loss of paramedic Mary Jolly, 27, who was fatally injured while acting as a good Samaritan at a multi-vehicle crash scene in Florida. The incident, which evolved into a deadly chain reaction involving five vehicles, occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday, November 15, on Interstate 95 near Mims, Florida.
Mary Jolly, a resident of Dallas, North Carolina, was off-duty but demonstrated the core principles of her profession by stopping to assist at the chaotic scene. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the sequence of events began when a northbound driver from Port St. Lucie executed a lane change that resulted in a collision with a second vehicle. This initial impact disabled one of the vehicles, leaving it stranded in the flow of traffic.
The disabled vehicle then led to a second, subsequent crash. Tragically, a 33-year-old man from Port St Lucie was killed during this second incident while he was standing in the traffic lanes.
It was during this dangerous and complex aftermath that Mary Jolly, demonstrating exceptional selflessness and courage, stopped to render aid. While she was positioned in the center lane offering assistance, she was struck by a fifth vehicle, which was being driven by a 30-year-old man from Coronado, Florida.
Ms. Jolly suffered catastrophic injuries and was immediately airlifted to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in critical condition. Despite receiving intensive medical care, Gaston County EMS reported that Paramedic Jolly succumbed to her injuries, dying two days later at the hospital shortly after 11 a.m. on Monday, November 17. The location of the crash, Mims, Florida, is approximately 45 miles northeast of Orlando.
Gaston County EMS issued a heartfelt statement via Facebook on November 15th, underscoring the profound impact of her death. “This tragedy is a powerful reminder of the selflessness and courage our team members embody, not only while on duty but in their personal lives as well,” the department wrote. The statement went on to describe the depth of the loss: “Mary was more than a colleague — she was family. Her compassion, unwavering dedication, and steady presence touched countless lives and strengthened the very fabric of our EMS community. Her loss is immeasurable.”
Mary Jolly’s final act epitomized the selfless dedication of emergency responders. Her actions, taken while off-duty and in a dangerous situation far from home, underscore the unwavering commitment she had to helping others. Her memory will be honored by her family, friends, and the entire Gaston County EMS community as a testament to her courage and compassion.
