PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK
Mary, William and Molly Jean Hathaway are photographed. William, 36, of Berlin died Saturday after a crash on Old Ocean City Road in Wicomico County. A social media campaign is helping to raise money for his family.
By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer
(Dec. 20, 2018) A 36-year-old Berlin man was killed following a crash last Saturday afternoon in Wicomico County.
The Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack received a call from a concerned citizen who passed by a vehicle in a ditch, according to reports, and police responded to the scene of the crash at around 4:10 p.m. on Dec. 15 on Old Ocean City Road, just west of Richardson Road. Police also received several other 911 calls about the crash.
The driver, later identified as Berlin resident William Joseph “Willbilly” Hathaway, had called his wife, Mary, and said someone turned in front of him and he had to swerve his Toyota truck into a ditch, according to the report. However, the report went on to say he told her and several concerned citizens who stopped at the scene that he was OK.
When police arrived, Hathaway was found slumped over in the center console and did not appear to be breathing. He was later pronounced dead at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury.
The circumstances leading up to the crash were unclear, but the investigation remains active as of Tuesday afternoon, according to police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack at 410-749-3101 ext. 0, or via email msp.salisbury@maryland.gov.
A social media fundraising campaign was set up to help the family during their time of need. Its organizer, Stephanie Lisi, said the Ocean City Fishing Community is trying to lend a helping hand.
Hathaway was a crew member on Foolish Pleasures, a charter boat out of the Ocean City Fishing Center in West Ocean City, and previously appeared on the National Geographic Channel’s television show “Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks.”
“He was an exceptional human being whose passion was the sea,” Lisi posted on Facebook. “He always brightened the day of anyone he met.”
The Facebook fundraiser was established Sunday with a $250,000 goal. As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 1,214 people who donated $69,955.
“Due to his untimely death we are asking for donations to help them stay on their feet while trying to survive this tragedy,” Lisi said in the post.
Those who knew Hathaway said he couldn’t stress enough how important his family was to him.
“[He was most proud of] his wife and newborn baby girl,” Lisi said.
To donate, visit the “Mary and Molly Jean Hathaway” fundraising page at www.facebook.com/donate/1999378630355197/10156383328122659.