Middle River Woman Charged With DUI In Hit-And-Run That Killed Goucher Student

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ)—Goucher College mourns the death of a popular lacrosse player killed as he tried to cross a busy street.

Derek Valcourt explains police say the driver of the car that struck him was operating under the influence of alcohol.

They say she was drunk. She left the scene. Now she faces charges as his friends and family prepare for a funeral.

Matthew Gabriel was just 19 years old and already a rising star on the lacrosse team at Goucher College, where fellow students are now mourning.

"You can't really take life for granted just because it can go away in a second," said Julien Scott, Goucher student.

"I didn't know the guy, but that's tough for everybody," said Ben Hancock.

The Austin, Texas native was trying to cross Dulaney Valley Road near Southerly Road just before 2 a.m. Sunday.

That's when police say Gabriel was struck by a 2013 Mazda 3 that fled the scene.

Police have not said how but say they were able to track down the car and the driver who struck Gabriel to a location in Dundalk.

That driver has been identified as 23-year-old Kayla Wiseman of Middle River. She's already been charged with driving under the influence and a hit-and-run.

Accident investigators are still working the case.

"Once their report is complete and reviewed, it will go to the State's Attorney's Office. The State's Attorney's Office will decide on any charges," said Cpl. John Wachter, Baltimore County Police spokesman.

Goucher's president released a statement saying Gabriel was "known for his larger-than-life personality and his unique sense of humor. The death of a student has a deep impact on a close-knit college campus like ours. This is a difficult time for all of us."

Students say they know how dangerous the road where it happened can be.

"It's not an easy road to drive. It's really not an easy road to cross," one student said.

"There's always heavy traffic here, and you have to watch out for drivers just as much as they watch out for you," said another student.

Gabriel's family donated his organs to help save others in need. Funeral arrangements are pending.

He is survived by his parents, a brother and two sisters--all living in Texas.

Gabriel was a sophomore at Goucher College, double majoring in business management and economics.

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