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Md. man killed on I-395 bridge; details unclear
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Related Topics: ARLINGTON, Va.
ARLINGTON, Va. (Map, News) - A Beltsville bus driver started work at 4:30 a.m. Saturday to transport people to two airports.
But the day ended tragically after David A. Audet, 49, apparently suffered a medical emergency and was killed when his head smashed into a bridge support, said Sgt. Terry Licklider, a Virginia State Police spokesman.
He was seen by witnesses hanging out the driver’s side window when his bus veered onto the shoulder of Interstate 395 at the Shirlington overpass, police said.
No passengers were on the bus, owned by Gunther Charters of Hanover.
Audet, who had worked at the company for 18 months, had lived with his father in Laurel until moving into his own place in Beltsville a few days earlier, said George Smith, a Gunther Charters employee.
“He was a talkative guy, always joking,” he said.
Audet picked up a group of people at a Rockville hotel and drove them to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Smith said.
He was then supposed to pick up a group in Alexandria and take them to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Smith said.
Audet stopped by the company’s dispatch office near the airport for a few minutes between pickups to chat and have a mirror adjusted, he said.
“He got in his bus, waved at me, and he pulled off,” Smith said.
Smith said he learned from police at about 8 a.m. that a company driver had been killed.
The bus continued down the road for more than half a mile before Officer Michael Watson and firefighter/paramedic Kyle Wright, who had been running alongside, got inside and applied the brakes.
Police did not suspect foul play, but Audet’s body was sent for an autopsy.
The southbound lanes of the highway were closed for about seven hours during the investigation.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
kcullinan@baltimoreexaminer.com
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Interested Bistander said:
What happens if you only swim in the shallow part? do you still get in trouble?
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said:
I MISS YOU ADAM KLANK!!!!! A WHOLE LOT!
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Examiner Reader said:
I Miss You Ahmad, Friend, Mentor.
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Examiner Reader said:
Please confirm that this article is correct. A close source to the deceased says findings are that the motorcyclist is not the one who ran the light. An unlicensed ambulance driver was the one who ran the light. If you find these facts to be true please do a follow up article to retract the statement that the motorcyclist was the negligent driver. Thank you.
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Examiner Reader said:
There was no before, there will be no after, there is only the here and now so live well and prosper. And be careful. Peace! out.......................
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James said:
The woman stepped off of a curb into the roadway where she was struck by the car being driven by the 18 year-old. What was the driver of the car supposed to have done? Why would the driver be charged if the woman stepped in front of her vehicle? Get a grip.
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Examiner Reader said:
why wasnt the 18 year old woman who ran over the pedestrian charged? Bet she was a hot blond wearing a short summer skirt!!!
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Examiner Reader said:
Police work is respectable. we must remember however that police are human. that is to say, all police are not respectable. the profession, yes the person, maybe. abuse of authority is one the most awful perversions. this is a case of an officer being killed by another officer. accidental probably. police put their life in jeopardy everyday. sometimes warranted. like any other profession, you need to work smart, unlike other professions, your very life depends upon it. serve and protect. admirable goals. 24 years of age, a very short life. killed pursuing a suspect for reckless driving. yet killed by another reckless driver, his partner. does the means justify the end. you cannot value a life so the answer is no. no job, suspect or goal is worth anyone's life. it is tragic that anyone trying to save a life loses his own in a vain effort. a case of friendly fire. i can not stress enough, police are people too and they need to recognize that point. all men have flaws.
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Examiner Reader said:
so sad that's my teacher's brother!
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Examiner Reader said:
On Wednesday April 18, 2007 my wife and I witnessed an incident that reminded us about the true meaning of each day we are alive. As many of you now know, a six year old boy passed away soon after collapsing at Westminster’s Main Street Mile. Reading about this incident or hearing about it for the first time will affect everyone differently, but I can attest that when you actually witness a child’s death, its impact is far different than just reading it in the newspaper - something I never fully appreciated until April 18th. Reflecting on such dreadfully tragedy, I wanted to share some thoughts. First, as a parent, I believe that kids should become our life, and if they are not, you will someday come to regret it. Second, be there for your kids! And I mean truly BE THERE, because each passing moment may be the last time you have a chance to say ‘I Love you,’ words that should already be a part of your vocabulary. Third, at some point we all have felt guilty about how we have beh
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