MD Musician, DC Teachers Union Leader Die In Bowie Crash: Police

BOWIE, MD — Police said a Bowie car accident killed two people Sunday evening. Officers identified the victims as 68-year-old John Starr of Annapolis and 70-year-old Elizabeth Davis of Washington, D.C.

Starr was a renowned local musician. Davis was the president of the Washington Teachers' Union.

"Starr [was] the first teacher who really made me believe in music, how it can make everyone belong and help us find ourselves," one of his former students, Melissa Ann Parker, said on Facebook. "Thank you for being such a good friend to my mother and our family, for believing in me, and for inviting me to the world of music right when I needed it most."

(Story continues below post)

The teachers union thanked Davis for her commitment to social justice. The group added that she fought for quality education for all students, regardless of what communities they live in.

"It is with deepest sorrow that we must confirm the passing of President Elizabeth Davis," the union said on Facebook. "We are confident that her legacy will continue to shape the WTU as well as education across the District."

(Story continues below post)

The two-car crash happened around 10:24 p.m., the Maryland State Police explained. Troopers informed that a 2014 Honda CR-V, driven by Davis, was heading south on U.S. Route 301. Officers noted that the Honda collided with a 2006 Toyota Scion, driven by Starr, near Harbour Way.

An incident report indicated that Starr died on the scene. Police advised that medics took Davis to the University of Maryland Prince George's Hospital Center, where she passed soon after.

Troopers are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.