Further Details Released in Tragic Anne Arundel County Crash That Claimed Lives of Thomas Oliver Sellman III and Marcus Eric James Jr.
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The Maryland State Police have released new details regarding the fatal car crash that took place late Tuesday night along Interstate 97, a devastating incident that claimed the lives of Thomas Oliver Sellman III, 28, of Severn, and Marcus Eric James Jr., 24, of Glen Burnie.
The tragic accident occurred at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, near Route 50, in the northbound lanes of I-97. According to a preliminary investigation by the Maryland State Police Crash Team, the vehicle carrying Sellman and James was traveling at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control under unclear circumstances.
The vehicle — a silver 2016 Dodge Charger — veered off the roadway, struck the guardrail, and overturned several times before coming to rest in the median. Both Sellman and James were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department.
Investigators believe the vehicle may have been attempting to pass another car moments before the crash. Skid marks and damage to the guardrail indicate that the driver lost control as the vehicle transitioned from the left lane toward the shoulder. Weather and road conditions were reported to be clear and dry, eliminating environmental factors as a likely cause.
Authorities have not yet confirmed which of the two men was driving at the time of the accident. Toxicology reports are pending as part of the standard autopsy procedures being conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.
Remembering Thomas and Marcus
News of the accident has rocked both the Severn and Glen Burnie communities, where Sellman and James were known and loved by many.
Thomas Oliver Sellman III, affectionately known as “Trey,” was remembered by friends and family as a loyal son, a loving older brother, and a charismatic friend with an easy smile and a big heart. A graduate of Meade High School, he had a passion for cars and music and was said to be “the guy everyone turned to for advice and a laugh.”
Marcus Eric James Jr., known simply as “MJ” to those close to him, was a Glen Burnie native who had recently started a new job in construction and was saving to return to school. Family members described him as “kind, soft-spoken, and determined to build a better future.”
“These young men were just starting their lives,” said a close friend of the families. “To lose both of them like this — it’s unthinkable.”
Community Grief and Support
Loved ones and neighbors have since gathered at the crash site to leave flowers, candles, and messages of remembrance. Social media has been flooded with tributes, photos, and memories, reflecting the shock and sorrow felt throughout the county.
A joint candlelight vigil is being organized by family and friends and is scheduled for Saturday evening at Sawmill Creek Park in Glen Burnie. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m., with a moment of silence held at 8:00 p.m. All who knew the young men or who wish to show support are encouraged to attend.
GoFundMe pages have been set up by both families to assist with funeral expenses, with messages from organizers asking for community support and prayers.
“We never expected to be planning funerals for two young men with so much ahead of them,” said a relative of James. “All we can do now is celebrate their lives and hold onto the love they gave while they were here.”
Investigation Ongoing
The Maryland State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. While no other vehicles appear to have been directly involved, investigators are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or seen the Charger traveling in the area before 10:15 p.m. to contact MSP Glen Burnie Barrack at 410-761-5130.
As the investigation continues, Anne Arundel County mourns the loss of two promising young men whose lives were cut tragically short. Their absence is felt not just by their families, but by an entire community that now must come together in grief and remembrance.
Rest in peace, Thomas Oliver Sellman III and Marcus Eric James Jr.
Gone too soon, but never forgotten.