The community of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, continues to mourn the tragic loss of 18-year-old Cayliy Haygood, a senior at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School, who was killed in a car accident on March 7, 2023. New details have emerged about the circumstances surrounding the crash and its aftermath.
The Crash
On the morning of March 7, around 9:30 a.m., Haygood was a passenger in a white BMW sedan driven by fellow Wise High School senior, 18-year-old Kendall Batson. While traveling along Ritchie Marlboro Road near Marlboro Pointe Drive, the vehicle struck the rear of a landscaping truck and trailer parked in the right lane. The impact caused the BMW to continue moving for approximately 100 yards, during which both occupants were ejected from the car. Haygood was pronounced dead at the scene, while Batson sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized in stable condition.
Investigation Findings
Authorities determined that Batson was attempting to overtake another vehicle when the crash occurred. Speeding was identified as a contributing factor, though initial reports suggesting drag racing were ruled out. The incident prompted community concerns about traffic safety on Ritchie Marlboro Road, leading to discussions about implementing measures such as traffic lights to slow down drivers
Aftermath and Community Response
In the wake of Haygood’s death, her family initiated a fundraiser to cover funeral expenses and bring her body back to Texas for burial. The community rallied in support, remembering Haygood as a beloved student with a bright smile and a promising future.
Tragically, two months after the crash, on May 11, 2023, Batson was fatally shot in a parking lot near North Forestville Elementary School and Community Center. Police responded to the scene and found Batson suffering from gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at a hospital. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, and authorities have not confirmed a motive.
Ongoing Impact
The dual tragedies have left the Wise High School community reeling, with students, faculty, and families grappling with the sudden losses. Counseling services have been made available to support those affected. The incidents have also sparked broader conversations about road safety and youth violence in the area, prompting calls for increased measures to protect young people in the community.
As investigations continue, the memories of Cayliy Haygood and Kendall Batson endure in the hearts of those who knew them, serving as poignant reminders of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in times of sorrow.