(Jessup, MD) – Maryland State Police are actively investigating an early morning fatal crash on I-95 that claimed the life of a 38-year-old Prince George’s County man, on September 5, 2021.

The deceased is identified as Jose Manuel Gomez, 38, of Glenn Dale, Maryland.  Gomez was pronounced deceased on scene by emergency medical personnel. He was operating a 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van at the time of the crash with eight passengers.  All eight passengers were treated on scene by Howard County emergency medical service personnel.

The other vehicle involved was a 2015 Acura TLX. The driver is identified as Dejah Chareese Parker, 23, of Owings Mills.  She was not injured during the incident and was the sole occupant of the Acura. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation and review by the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The preliminary investigation indicates the crash occurred shortly after 4:00 a.m. this morning. Troopers from the Maryland State Police Waterloo Barrack responded to a two-vehicle crash on northbound I-95 at MD 175 (Waterloo Rd.) in Jessup, Maryland. Police believe the 2015 Acura TLX was traveling northbound on I-95 when the driver, later identified as Parker, struck the rear of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van which was also traveling on N/B I-95.

The impact of the crash caused both vehicles to lose control into the center median when the Mercedes van subsequently overturned.

The Maryland State Police report that they believe alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash.

Northbound I-95 was shut down for approximately 5 hours following the crash. Troopers from the Waterloo barrack were assisted by Howard County Fire/ EMS, Howard County Police, personnel from the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, and the Maryland State Police Crash Team. 

A Man of Dreams and Accomplishment – The National Mariachi

Jose Manuel Gomez Millan, better known by his friends as Pepe Gomez and by his family as Chiquis. Son of Pedro Gomez and Diana Millan born in Acapulco Guerrero on August 21, 1983, being very restless since childhood and despite adversities for him, there were no impossible! His biggest dream was, to have a big and united family, to have a big house, to own his own company, to have two dogs and a stable partner. Lover of music, food and enjoyed spending time at home watching movies with his family.
He had a great Heart that was always looking to help other people. He started in music from the age of 8 out of necessity due to the deficiencies that he suffered as a child and to be able to help your Pope. Señor Flores played a very important role in Pepe’s life, because he taught and instilled music in him, it was like the beginning of his career as a Mariachi when he was 11 years old.
There were many jobs that he had to do from cleaning windshields, spitting fire at traffic lights in Mexico, working in bars at a young age and he was never afraid to undertake something different. At 22 years of age, he decides to cross the Border like many, with fears and with many dreams, always focused on fulfilling his goal of bringing his children to the United States for a better life.
Thanks to the Music it was how he was able to get ahead, due to two personal failures the achievement get up with the Vihuela in one hand and her Mariachi costume in the other, never giving up! Always confident of what he would do and in the end reaching his goal.
In the year of 2017, he met his wife, Blanca Chucuan, at first going through complicated situations as a couple, and over time they achieved that union and that stability that they dreamed of so much. Sharing the passion for Music, the admiration of each other and thus complementing each other until they become one. Together they formed the beautiful family that they have today and taking all their children forward, leaving them the legacy of Mariachi. Working day by day to teach them and share their passion for Music. Leaving them as an inheritance the noble work of Mariachi.
His last months were the happiest because he achieved all his dreams! 
Having his big house, his own company, his children together, who also shared a taste for Mexican Music, his stable partner to whom he called “His rib” and finally bought the car of his dreams which he snatched from him his life. 
He was a man with a difficult, dominant, explosive character, however, with a lot of entrepreneurial talent, bold and intelligent, with a lot of love to give, and with a charming smile. At 38 years old, he loses his life leaving a Family of 10 without knowing how to start this new stage without him, but with a high commitment to continue United and taking his legacy to the top.

The Music of the National Mariachi is not over. He continues with the new Generation having as Leader his wife the love of his life.      

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