An elderly Maryland couple, married for 70 years, died holding hands after a car crash that left them seriously injured.90-year-old Kenneth Oland and his 88-year-old wife, Marilyn Oland, were involved in a two-car crash on February 24 near U.S. Route 15 and Hissong Bridge Road in Frederick County, Maryland.
Authorities said the accident occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m.According to Maryland State Police, Kenneth Oland was driving a Ford Five Hundred south on Hessong Bridge Road and attempted to cross U.S. Route 15. Investigators said the vehicle failed to yield the right of way and collided with a northbound Chevrolet Cruze.Both Kenneth and Marilyn Oland suffered serious injuries in the accident. Emergency crews transported them to a trauma center in Baltimore for treatment.
The driver of the other car was also taken to the hospital by ambulance, authorities said.The couple remained in the hospital for several days after the accident. Six days later, on March 2, they were taken off life support. Hospital workers placed their beds next to each other, and the couple died holding hands.Medical officials later determined that Kenneth Oland died from injuries including hypoxia, pneumonia, pulmonary contusions, and broken ribs.
Marilyn Oland’s cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest, shortness of breath and broken ribs after the accident.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 most of their lives together and were well-known in the community. They regularly visited the Thurmont Senior Center, where they often had lunch and played bingo.
According to friends, the couple left the center about 15 minutes before the accident.The couple leaves behind three children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.Thurmont Senior Center described Kenneth and Marilyn Oland as a familiar couple rarely seen apart. The center said in a statement that the couple were “two people who honestly choose each other every day.”Friends and family said the couple was active in their community and maintained close relationships with relatives and neighbors.
