Laurel Man Dies in One-Car Crash: Police

LAUREL, MD — A Laurel man died Thursday after his car crashed into a tree, but the driver may have suffered a medical problem that led to the accident, police said.

The single-vehicle crash was reported about 5 p.m. on Brock Bridge Road near Laurel Fort Meade Road in Laurel.

The car was westbound on Brock Bridge Road when it ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. The driver -- Willie J. Cheatham, 73, of 9047 Manorwood Road in Laurel -- was taken to Shock Trauma in Baltimore as a precaution, but he died about three hours later from his injuries.

His cause of death has not yet been determined, Anne Arundel County Police said.

It appears the crash was caused by Cheatham’s failure to remain in a single lane, and it may be related to medical issues.

Neither speed nor alcohol appears involved and the driver was wearing a seatbelt.