In Loving Memory of Dale Bradley
CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. — In the quiet early hours of Thursday, February 26, 2026, tragedy struck along Maryland Route 234, also known as Budds Creek Road, near Stines Store Road. What began as an ordinary morning for many became a heartbreaking moment for the family and loved ones of 72-year-old Dale Bradley of King George, Virginia.
At approximately 6 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack, alongside deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, responded to reports of a serious motor vehicle collision. Due to the severity of the incident, the Maryland State Police CRASH Team was called to assume the investigation and carefully piece together the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Preliminary findings indicate that a 2016 Mazda 6, operated by 22-year-old Nathan Cooper of Mechanicsville, Maryland, was traveling westbound on Maryland Route 234. At the same time, Mr. Bradley was driving his 2000 Chevrolet Blazer eastbound along the same stretch of road. For reasons that remain under investigation, the Mazda reportedly crossed the centerline and collided head-on with Mr. Bradley’s vehicle.
Despite the swift response of first responders and emergency personnel, Dale Bradley was pronounced deceased at the scene. The suddenness of his passing has left a profound void in the hearts of his family, friends, and community members who knew and loved him.
Dale Bradley was more than the circumstances of that tragic morning. At 72 years old, he carried a lifetime of experiences, memories, and relationships. He was a man who had seen decades of change, who had built connections and made an impact in ways both big and small. Whether as a devoted family member, a loyal friend, a neighbor, or a colleague, his presence mattered. His wisdom, stories, and steady spirit were gifts to those around him.
For his loved ones, the pain of loss is immeasurable. A chair now sits empty at family gatherings. Conversations once filled with his voice now echo with cherished memories. The routines of daily life are forever altered. Yet even in grief, there is gratitude — gratitude for the years shared, the laughter exchanged, and the love that endures beyond a single moment in time.
Meanwhile, Nathan Cooper was transported by helicopter to Capital Region Hospital in Largo, Maryland, by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command’s Trooper 7, suffering serious but non-life-threatening injuries. As investigators continue their work, the focus remains on understanding exactly what occurred on that stretch of road.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a solemn reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly circumstances can change. Each day is precious. Every journey, no matter how routine, carries value because of the lives behind the wheel.
Today, we remember Dale Bradley not solely for the tragedy that claimed him, but for the life he lived. We remember a man who reached 72 years with stories untold, lessons learned, and love given. We honor his memory by holding his family close in prayer and thought, by driving with greater care and compassion, and by cherishing those we hold dear.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. May his family find strength in one another. And may the legacy of his life — the kindness he showed, the moments he shared, and the love he gave — continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.









