3-month-old killed, 3 adults injured in Maryland crash

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - A baby girl has died, officials say, after a crash in St. Mary's County on Thursday. Three other adults, including her two parents, were also injured in the crash, they say.

A GoFundMe has been created by a family friend to help support 3-month-old Emma Leigh Clarke's family as they work to put together funeral arrangements for her.

Officials say on Thursday, deputies from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office responded to the 19200 block of Three Notch Road in Lexington Park, for reports of a three-car crash.

Investigators say a 2008 Honda Civic was going southbound on Three Notch Road and attempted to make a U-turn at King James Parkway, when it was struck by a 2013 Ford Escape traveling southbound.

After the initial collision, deputies say the Civic went into the northbound lane, where it was struck by a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Investigators say "driver error" appears to be the contributing factor in the collision.

The driver of the Civic, 23-year-old Alexa Taylor Smith, from Owings, Md. and her boyfriend, 23-year-old Jamie Clarke were taken to an area trauma center.

Their daughter, 3-month-old Emma Leigh was taken to Children's Hospital, where she passed away.

Officials say the driver of the Ford Escape, 39-year-old John Wesley Lonkert, from Scotland, Maryland, was taken to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital with incapacitating injuries.

According to the GoFundMe page, Smith and Clarke were taken to Prince George's Shock Trauma Center where they were treated and later released with various serious injuries.

"In Emma's short 3 months of life, she brought so much joy to so many lives and was loved beyond words. Her parents world revolved around Emma," writes family friend Whitney Dunn DeCesaris on the page.

The page says the funds will help with lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses.

"Whether it be a monetary donation, a prayer or both, you're thoughts and generosity will be appreciated beyond words," said DeCesaris.

To find more information or donate, visit the Emma Leigh Clarke GoFundMe.

St. Mary's Sheriff's Deputies ask anyone who may have witnessed the collision or events leading up to it, contact Deputy First Class John Davis at (301) 475-4200 extension 8015.