24-Year-Old Woman Killed, Male Friend Seriously Injured After USPS Truck Lands on SUV

The young woman killed after a U.S. Postal Service tractor-trailer flipped on top of her SUV was just 24 years old and a recent college graduate.

Family members said Yesewlek Endihnew Tizale of Potomac, Maryland, had graduated from the University of Maryland in the spring.

"We just miss her; I don't know how to explain it," her aunt, Maza Wadag, said through tears.

Tizale's brother, Michael, said he'd admired his sister's work ethic.

"She worked hard to go to college," he said. "We just graduated together about six months ago. She was very nice to people. I don't know why this is happening."

Just before 3 a.m. Monday, Tizale was turning right from Broadbirch Drive onto Cherry Hill Road when her 2012 Infiniti EX35 collided with a Mack tractor-trailing headed east on Cherry Hill Road. The tractor-trailer, which carried U.S. mail, flipped onto the SUV.

Tizale and her male passenger had to be extricated from their vehicle and were rushed to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Tizale died of her injuries at the hospital later Monday.

"We ask for everyone's prayer, to keep everyone strong," her brother said.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, 48-year-old Daniel Free of Wheaton, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. He's expected to be OK.

Witnesses said they heard the violent crash from their homes. 

"I heard a loud bang. There was a screech. It was like a rumble," said Kabian Davis, who lives nearby. 

"We all run outside and see a guy yelling, 'Help, help, help,'" added Jhoslyn Garrido.

Witnesses said the man yelling for help knew the man and woman trapped in the SUV and was in a car following them.

HAZMAT crews were called in to handle a fuel spill resulting from the crash. Cherry Hill Road reopened just after 1 p.m.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

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