Mary Jolly, a 27‑year‑old paramedic with Gaston County EMS, died after being struck by a Nissan Murano on I‑95 in Brevard County, Florida, while she was helping a motorist following a separate crash. She was hospitalized and died two days later. Jolly had worked for Gaston County EMS since 2021, served on its swift water rescue team and was named B‑Shift Outstanding Paramedic in 2023. Local officials and her agency paid tribute to her dedication; the incident remains under investigation.
Off‑Duty Paramedic Mary Jolly, 27, Fatally Struck on I‑95 While Helping Crash Victim
Mary Jolly, a 27‑year‑old paramedic with Gaston County EMS, died after being struck by a Nissan Murano on I‑95 in Brevard County, Florida, while she was helping a motorist following a separate crash. She was hospitalized and died two days later. Jolly had worked for Gaston County EMS since 2021, served on its swift water rescue team and was named B‑Shift Outstanding Paramedic in 2023. Local officials and her agency paid tribute to her dedication; the incident remains under investigation.
08:36 PM, 11/18/2025Society
Off‑duty paramedic killed on I‑95 while aiding another crash victim
An off‑duty North Carolina paramedic, Mary Jolly, 27, has died after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 95 in Brevard County, Florida, while attempting to assist a motorist injured in a separate collision.
Authorities say Jolly and her wife were driving on I‑95 in the early morning hours of Saturday, Nov. 15, when they noticed a man who had been hurt in a crash moments earlier. Jolly exited her vehicle to help and was standing in the center lane of the highway when a Nissan Murano struck her, according to the Florida Highway Patrol and local news reports.
Jolly was transported to a Florida hospital and died two days later. The condition of the motorist she was assisting has not been made public. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the fatal collision; the agency did not immediately respond to requests for comment from People magazine.
Gaston County EMS in North Carolina confirmed Jolly's death on its Facebook page and described the loss as "profound." The agency said she passed away at 11:05 a.m. following her injuries and called her "more than a colleague — she was family."
"Her compassion, unwavering dedication, and steady presence touched countless lives and strengthened the very fabric of our EMS community," Gaston County EMS wrote. "Her loss is immeasurable and will be deeply felt across our organization and beyond."
Jolly joined Gaston County EMS in 2021 and served on the agency’s swift water rescue team. In 2023 she was named B‑Shift Outstanding Paramedic. Deputy County Manager Vincent Wong extended his "deepest sympathies" to Jolly’s family and to members of the public safety team, saying she exemplified the dedication, courage and commitment expected of EMS professionals.
The agency and local officials have asked for privacy for Jolly’s loved ones as they mourn. The investigation into the deadly striking remains open.