An elderly couple from Maryland who had been married for 70 years died holding hands after a car crash that left both critically injured.
90-year-old Kenneth Oland and his wife, 88-year-old Marilyn Oland, were involved in a two-vehicle crash on February 24 near US Route 15 and Hessong Bridge Road in Frederick County, Maryland. Authorities said the crash happened shortly after 12:30 pm.
According to the Maryland State Police, Kenneth Oland was driving a Ford Five Hundred south on Hessong Bridge Road and attempted to cross US Route 15. Investigators said the vehicle failed to yield the right of way and was struck by a northbound Chevrolet Cruze.
Both Kenneth and Marilyn Oland suffered severe injuries in the crash. Emergency crews transported them to a trauma center in Baltimore for treatment. The driver of the other vehicle was also taken to a hospital by ambulance, authorities said.
The couple remained hospitalized for several days after the crash. Six days later, on March 2, they were taken off life support. Hospital staff placed their beds next to each other, and the couple died while holding hands.
Medical officials later determined that Kenneth Oland died from injuries including hypoxia, pneumonia, pulmonary contusions and rib fractures.
Marilyn Oland’s cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, and rib fractures following the crash.
Kenneth and Marilyn Oland had been married since 1955. The couple moved to Thurmont, Maryland, in 1963 and lived there for decades.
Family members said the couple spent much of their lives together and were known in the community. They regularly visited the Thurmont Senior Center, where they often had lunch and played bingo. According to friends, the couple had left the center about 15 minutes before the crash occurred.
The couple leaves behind three children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
The Thurmont Senior Center described Kenneth and Marilyn Oland as a familiar pair who were rarely seen apart. In a statement, the center said the couple was “two people who genuinely chose each other every single day.”
Friends and family said the couple were active in their community and maintained close relationships with relatives and neighbors.
