With heavy hearts, we remember John Welin, 79, Karen Berneck, 81, and Thomas Stevao, 25, who tragically lost their lives in a devastating two-vehicle crash Sunday on Interstate 68 in Maryland.

Maryland State Police said troopers from the Cumberland Barrack responded to eastbound I-68 near Maryland Route 36 after receiving reports of a serious collision. Preliminary information indicates that a Subaru Forester was traveling westbound when, for reasons still unknown, it crossed the grass median and entered the eastbound lanes.

The Subaru then crashed head-on into a Volkswagen Tiguan. John Welin, of Roscoe, Illinois, was identified as the driver of the Subaru. His passenger, Karen Berneck, also of Roscoe, was killed in the crash. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Thomas Stevao, 25, of Centreville, Virginia, was a passenger in the Volkswagen and was also pronounced deceased at the scene.

The crash also left two people injured. Volkswagen driver Patrick Kaczmarek, 25, of Clifton, Virginia, was flown by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a local trauma center for treatment. Passenger Jacqueline Durham, 25, also of Clifton, was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

For the families and friends of John, Karen, and Thomas, this tragedy has brought unimaginable heartbreak. Their sudden passing has left behind loved ones who must now face the difficult reality of saying goodbye.

Each of them had a life filled with memories, relationships, and moments that will remain precious to those who knew them. While nothing can erase the pain of their loss, those memories can provide comfort during the difficult days ahead.

The Maryland State Police Crash Team continues to investigate the collision and work to determine what caused the Subaru to cross the median.

May John, Karen, and Thomas be remembered with love and dignity.

Rest peacefully.  Gone from our sight, but never forgotten.

Please keep their families, friends, and the injured survivors in your thoughts and prayers.