UPDATE: Last night we said not goodbye, but see you later, to one of the sweetest young men ever.  Hunter would do anything for anybody.  He never said no to helping out.  He was such an old genuine soul and he will be deeply missed.  He was at our house almost every night, and I don’t think we will get used to him not being around.  Hunter went peacefully surrounded by family and friends. 

This was all due to the accident he had on 77 on July 2, so please, I continue to encourage you to sign the petition I have shared.  Hunter left the house that morning and literally was minding his own business going to work, no wind, no rain, sunny morning and a tree fell on the cab of the pool water delivery truck. A tree that should have been removed long ago and was a danger.  So please, sign and share so we can make a difference before this happens to anyone else.  

Our community is heartbroken. A dear friend of ours is currently in a trauma center after a tree fell onto his vehicle while he was driving along Rt.77 in Thurmont, MD. This tragic incident has opened our eyes to the potential danger posed by unstable trees near our roads. It is a tragedy that could have been prevented with the right precautions.

While we cannot change what has happened in the past, we can take action to ensure that no other family has to endure such a painful experience. The lush greenery that lines our roads enhances the beauty of our area, but it should not come at the cost of human safety. It is imperative that the state reviews and checks the condition of trees on 77 regularly to prevent such accidents in the future.

This petition calls for the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) to implement a systematic inspection and maintenance program for trees along Route 77 in Thurmont, MD. Trees that are diseased, leaning, or otherwise pose a risk of falling should be identified and addressed promptly.

According to the National Weather Service, trees can be hazardous even without strong winds if their roots are compromised or if they are dead or dying. A proactive inspection program can significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic events. Investments in regular maintenance will safeguard both our roads and residents, preventing further heartache.

Join us in urging the state to take swift and comprehensive action to assess and manage roadside trees. Our goal is to protect drivers, riders, and pedestrians from preventable harm and to honor our friend's hardship with meaningful change.

Please sign this petition to demand safety improvements for Route 77 in Thurmont, MD. Your support can make a difference in preventing similar tragedies in the future.