An FBI Agent and a Deputy Fire Chief died Friday evening after they were struck by a car at the scene of a crash on Interstate 270 in Montgomery County, Maryland State Police said.
State police said Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Sander Cohen, 33, called the Rockville barrack around 10 p.m. to report a single-vehicle crash in the fast lane of southbound I-270 near Gude Drive.
Cohen blocked the crash scene with his personal vehicle and activated his emergency flashers.
The driver of the damaged car was FBI Supervisory Special Agent Carlos Wolff, 36.
Both men moved to stand in the shoulder while waiting for assistance to arrive, state police said.
A preliminary investigation revealed a Honda Accord swerved to the left, apparently to avoid the stopped vehicles, and struck both men on the shoulder of the highway.
Both men were thrown over the jersey wall onto the northbound side of I-270, where one of them was struck by an Acura ILX.
Cohen was pronounced dead at the scene. Wolff was taken to Suburban Hospital, where he died shortly after arrival.
The driver and a passenger inside the Honda Accord were taken to Suburban Hospital. Another passenger was taken to Shady Grove Hospital.
The driver of the Acura ILX traveling northbound was not injured.
All drivers remained at the scene.
State police said there is no preliminary indication of alcohol involved in the crashes.
No charges have been filed, and an investigation continues.
“Deputy Chief Cohen had no idea who was inside the vehicle he stopped behind," Maryland State Police Superintendent Col. William Pallozzi said. "He just recognized that someone needed help and he never hesitated last night to stop and help someone in need. Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Sander Cohen has now joined the ranks of Maryland’s Fallen Heroes."
"Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Sander Cohen was an exemplary investigator and leader who took great pride in his law enforcement career and who devoted himself to protecting and serving the citizens of Maryland," Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci said. "Sander will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. We will forever keep the Cohen family in our thoughts and prayers."
The family of Agent Wolff also released a statement:
"Our Carlos was an amazing father, husband, uncle and brother who made us all very proud. He loved serving his country as a part of the FBI. He was always so helpful and giving, not just to his friends but strangers too. Our hearts are broken. We appreciate your prayers during this difficult time.
Carlos Wolff of Gaithersburg, MD is the son of Maria and Jorge Wolff,
He leaves behind his wife, their 7-year-old son, 2-year-old daughter and five siblings
Carlos was a graduate of American University.
He was a Supervisory Special Agent with an 11 year tenure at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "
Line of Duty Death ( LODD) - Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Sander B Cohen, age 33, was killed last nite (12/8) along w/ FBI Supervisory Special Agent Carlos Wolff, age 36. Deputy Chief Cohen was also a volunteer firefighter/Lieutenant w/ RockvilleVFD, Montgomery Co, MD (MCFRS) pic.twitter.com/QB3jLuW60w
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 9, 2017
UPDATE - Deputy State Fire Marshal Sander Cohen will be escorted by a contingent of MCFRS/RVFD apparatus w/ police escort from the Medical Examiners Office in Balt to Danzansky-Goldberg Funeral Home in Rville via I95-ICC-Rt355/Rockville Pike- departing Baltimore by 430p to MoCo pic.twitter.com/VFsF1XrGi6
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 9, 2017
Crews from @HCDFRS line I-95 overpasses as LODD procession for State Deputy FM Sander Cohen passes through #HoCoMd pic.twitter.com/EJB8wXSrQH
— Howard Co Fire & EMS (@HCDFRS) December 9, 2017
Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of FBI Supervisory Special Agent Carlos Wolff, who passed away last night after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Please keep SSA Wolff and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
— FBI Baltimore (@FBIBaltimore) December 9, 2017
Procession for Fire Marshal killed last night along w/ @FBI agent in crash in Montgomery County, MD. Sad to see this. Video via @KellyRuleTV pic.twitter.com/lgOaJot8Cg
— T.J. Smith (@TJSmithMedia) December 10, 2017
FBI Supervisory Special Agent Carlos Wolff & Lt. Sander Cohen, deputy chief of MD State Fire Marshal's Office & member of Rockville Vol Fire Dpt, served our communities every day to keep families safe. We thank these officers for their selfless dedication to our state & nation. https://t.co/O8xlaRQRMC
— Larry Hogan (@LarryHogan) December 9, 2017
