The Maryland community is mourning the tragic loss of John Welin, Karen Berneck, and Thomas Stevao, three people whose lives were cut short following a devastating head-on collision on Interstate 68 near Maryland Route 36. Their deaths have left families, friends, and loved ones facing an unimaginable loss as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
John Welin, 79, of Roscoe, Illinois, was identified as the driver of a Subaru Forester traveling westbound on I-68. His passenger, Karen Berneck, 81, also of Roscoe, was traveling with him when tragedy struck. For reasons that remain unknown, the Subaru crossed the grass median and entered the eastbound lanes, where it collided head-on with a Volkswagen Tiguan.
Both Welin and Berneck were pronounced dead at the scene. Their sudden passing has brought profound grief to those who knew and loved them. At 79 and 81, they had shared decades of life experiences, memories, and relationships with family and friends. Their loss represents not only the end of two individual lives but also the loss of cherished members of a community.
Thomas Stevao, 25, of Centreville, Virginia, was identified as a passenger in the Volkswagen Tiguan. He also died at the scene. At just 25 years old, Stevao’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change. His family and loved ones are now left with memories of the young man they knew while attempting to cope with the devastating reality of his unexpected death.
The Volkswagen was driven by Patrick Kaczmarek, 25, of Clifton, Virginia, who suffered serious injuries and was transported by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a local trauma center. Another passenger, Jacqueline Durham, 25, of Clifton, was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Authorities have not released further information about their conditions.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team is investigating the collision and has not yet determined why the Subaru crossed the median. The circumstances leading to the crash remain under investigation.
As investigators work to establish what happened, the focus remains on the three lives lost. John Welin, Karen Berneck, and Thomas Stevao will be remembered by those closest to them, while their families face the difficult days ahead without their loved ones. Their deaths have created a lasting void that words cannot easily express.
May their memories bring comfort to their families and friends, and may all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy find strength, peace, and support during this difficult time.