Off-duty paramedic struck while assisting victims of a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 95
November 15, 2025 | Brevard, FL
A 27-year-old off-duty paramedic from Gaston, North Carolina, lost her life in a heartbreaking incident while attempting to assist at a multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 95 in Brevard County, Florida.
Mary Jolly, driving with her wife, stopped to help after witnessing the initial crash. Tragically, she was struck by an oncoming vehicle in the center lane.
Mary Jolly, 27, of Gaston, North Carolina, died after a Nissan Murano struck her in the center lane of Interstate 95 in Brevard County.
What Happened on Interstate 95 Near State Road 46?
Key details of the incident include:
- Date and Time: Early morning on Nov. 15, 2025
- Location: South of State Road 46, Interstate 95, Brevard County
- Victim: Mary Jolly, 27, from Gaston, North Carolina
- Vehicles Involved: Nissan Murano struck Jolly while both tried to avoid collision
- Response: Jolly was airlifted to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries
- Agency: Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is leading the investigation
The Gaston County EMS department has expressed profound grief, honoring Jolly's compassion and dedication that impacted numerous lives.
Why Do Good Samaritans Face Such Risks at Crash Scenes?
Good Samaritans often encounter dangers when stopping to aid accident victims, particularly on busy highways like I-95. Distracted drivers, poor visibility, and high speeds contribute to these secondary collisions.
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), roadway departure crashes account for about 53% of all fatal accidents in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death, with over 40,000 fatalities annually.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual U.S. Road Fatalities |
Over 40,000 |
CDC |
Percentage of Fatal Crashes Involving Roadway Departure |
53% |
FHWA |
Good Samaritan Secondary Crashes |
Increase by 20-30% on interstates |
NHTSA |
Visibility Issues in Night Crashes |
70% of incidents |
IIHS |
Legal Insights on Protecting Families in Such Tragedies
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, independent investigations play a crucial role in determining liability and supporting affected families.
“It is imperative to determine the exact cause of these types of accidents,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire experianced witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process.”
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on wrongful death in auto accidents:
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Prompt investigation ensures rights are protected amid ongoing official probes.
- Relatives deserve comprehensive support to navigate insurance and legal complexities.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of.”
Newsline emphasizes the importance of thorough probes to honor victims like Jolly and prevent future incidents.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).