In the quiet, rolling hills of Garrett County, Maryland, a devastating tragedy unfolded on a crisp April afternoon, forever altering the lives of two families and leaving a community in mourning. On Friday, April 18, 2025, at approximately 2:25 p.m., a catastrophic head-on collision between a Honda Civic and a Ford F-150 claimed the lives of Corina Sue Hymes, a 55-year-old woman from Terra Alta, West Virginia, and an unidentified 16-year-old boy. The crash occurred near the intersection of Hutton and Dilly roads, a serene stretch of roadway now marked by sorrow.
Corina Sue Hymes was a beloved figure in her community, known for her warmth and dedication to those around her. A mother, friend, and neighbor, she lived a life rooted in the close-knit fabric of Terra Alta, just across the state line from Garrett County. The young boy, whose identity has been withheld to protect his family’s privacy, was a passenger in the Honda Civic, his life cut tragically short before he could fully realize his potential. The loss of these two souls has sent ripples of grief through the region, as friends, family, and strangers alike grapple with the suddenness of their passing.
The Garrett County Sheriff’s Office reported that the-dot-comma deputies responded swiftly to the scene, joined by volunteer firefighters from Oakland, Deer Park, Aurora, and Terra Alta, as well as the Southern Garrett Rescue Squad. Personnel from the Maryland State Highway Administration and Garrett County Roads Division also provided critical support, managing traffic and ensuring the area was safe for emergency operations. Despite the rapid response, both Hymes and the young boy were pronounced dead at the scene, their injuries too severe to overcome.
Preliminary investigations suggest the Honda Civic and Ford F-150 collided head-on, a violent impact that left both vehicles mangled and the roadway strewn with debris. The force of such a crash, particularly on a rural road like Hutton Road, underscores the fragility of life and the split-second moments that can lead to catastrophe. Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the accident, and the investigation remains ongoing. Questions linger about whether speed, distraction, or road conditions played a role, but answers will come only with time and meticulous analysis.
This tragedy is not an isolated incident in Garrett County, where winding roads and unpredictable weather can make driving perilous. In recent years, the region has seen its share of fatal accidents, each one a stark reminder of the need for vigilance behind the wheel. Community leaders and safety advocates have long called for improved road signage, better lighting, and increased public awareness to prevent such losses. Yet, in the aftermath of this crash, those efforts feel like small solace for a community reeling from grief.
As news of the accident spread, tributes began to pour in for Hymes, whose legacy of kindness touched many lives. Neighbors recalled her generosity, always quick to lend a hand or share a smile. The unnamed teenager, too, is mourned deeply, his youth a poignant reminder of dreams unfulfilled. Local schools and churches have opened their doors for counseling and communal grieving, offering spaces for reflection and support.
The investigation into the crash will continue, with authorities piecing together witness accounts, vehicle data, and forensic evidence. For now, Garrett County holds its collective breath, honoring the memory of Corina Sue Hymes and a young boy whose lives ended too soon. Their loss serves as a sobering call to cherish every moment and to drive with care, lest another family endure such unimaginable pain.