Severn Teacher Killed in Bicycle Crash Found to be at Fault in Collision

No charges will be filed in the accident that killed a Severn teacher in July, after prosecutors found the bicyclist was at fault, not the driver.

The July 17th crash in Severna Park resulted in the death of Severn School Latin teacher Thomas Heslin, who was riding his bicycle on Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard at the time of the crash.

According to Heather Stone, a spokeswoman for the State’s Attorney’s Office, the cyclist, Heslin, was found to be at fault in the crash. No charges will be filed against the dump truck driver.

After the accident, police said Heslin, 57 of Severna Park, was riding his bike west on Berrywood Drive when he failed to stop at a stop sign at the Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard intersection.

According to a release issued after the accident, as Heslin entered the intersection, he failed to yield to the right of way of the dump truck, which was traveling north on Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard. The driver of the dump truck attempted to avoid striking Heslin, but was unable, police said.

Heslin taught at Severn School in Severna Park for 27 years. In addition to teaching Latin, he was a venerated swimming and golf coach, and director of the Italian Exchange program. 

Students and community members remembered Heslin as a teacher not only in the classroom, but in life as well. The school held a memorial for the beloved teacher on August 23. 

For more on bicyclist safety in Severna Park, click here.

See Also:

• UPDATE: Bicyclist Killed in Collision with Dump Truck
• Severn School Community Mourns Loss of Latin Teacher
• Severn School Teacher Remembered as Teacher in Life, Classroom