THE TRAGIC LOSS OF GAVIN KNUPP AND THE LATEST CIVIL LAWSUIT FILED IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
Worcester County, MD - The tragic death of 14-year-old Gavin Knupp, who lost his life in a hit-and-run accident in 2022, has now led to a civil lawsuit being filed in Worcester County, Maryland, naming multiple defendants including Tyler Mailloux, Kearston Frey, Ralph Deangelus, Matt Ortt Companies LLC, and the Ocean Pines Association, Inc.
The lawsuit provides detailed accounts of the events surrounding the incident, shedding light on the circumstances of Gavin's untimely death.
Background of the Incident
According to the lawsuit, Gavin Knupp was struck by the driver's side of a vehicle driven by Tyler Mailloux. The collision propelled Gavin approximately 94 feet and ultimately took his life.
The driver, Mailloux, failed to stop, render aid, or report the incident to emergency services. Gavin's sister, Summer Knupp, was left to call for help and perform CPR on her brother under 911's guidance.
When emergency services arrived, they found Summer covered in her brother's blood, desperately trying to save the life of her beloved family member.
The lawsuit alleges that Mailloux, along with Ralph Deangelus and Kearston Frey, took actions to hide the vehicle involved-a 2011 Mercedes Benz C-S300, following the crash. The vehicle was reportedly stored in a garage at a property in Berlin, Maryland, until a police search uncovered it on July 17, 2022.
The Mercedes Benz C-S300 showed damage consistent with hitting a pedestrian, including a cracked driver's side windshield, a damaged driver's side mirror, and other visible signs of a collision. The lawsuit asserts there is no indication that the car had struck anything besides a person.
Statements and Actions Post-Incident
Following the incident, the lawsuit highlights several critical actions and statements made by the defendants:
- Defendant Ralph Deangelus acknowledged in a local news interview that he allowed the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run to be stored on his property and later facilitated communication with law enforcement through his attorney.
- On July 22, 2022, Matt Ortt, co-founder of Matt Ortt Companies, held a staff meeting where he stated that Defendant Mailloux "was not hiding" and "was waiting for the police to come."
-Ortt later issued a statement distancing himself from Deangelus and expressed regret for his initial support of his long-time business partner.
- On February 25, 2025, Tyler Mailloux pleaded guilty in a Worcester County Court, to leaving the scene of an accident, knowing or reasonably should have known it might result in death.
-On March 19, 2025, Mailloux was sentenced to ten years in prison, with all but 18 months of the sentence suspended. He is currently serving his sentence.
-Worcester County States' Attorney Kris Heiser requested Mailloux serve a minimum sentence of 3 years and 227 days, while state guidelines suggest a range of 3 months to 4 years, but the judge in this case, Brett W. Wilson, decided that Mailloux would only serve 18 months in prison and serve 3 years of probation following his release.
Civil Lawsuit Details
The civil lawsuit filed by Gavin Knupp's family seeks to hold multiple defendants accountable for their alleged roles in the incident and its aftermath.
The family is seeking a minimum of $75,000 per count filed against the defendants named, which is only a number listed per Maryland Rule 2-305(b).
Maryland Rule 2-305(b) says: "a demand for a money judgment that exceeds $75,000 shall not specify the amount sought but shall include a general statement that the amount sought exceeds $75,000."
Therefore the $75,000 has nothing to do with the Knupp's case - it's simply is the family adhering to the pleading guidelines, and declaring they are requesting a minimum of $75,000, most likely much more per count.
The family has issued the following statement, which indicates that the lawsuit is a step toward justice for Gavin, stating, "This lawsuit is the next step in holding accountable all those responsible for Gavin's death. Beyond that, we will have no comment while litigation is ongoing."
Community Response
The death of Gavin Knupp has profoundly impacted the Worcester County, Maryland, community. Gavin was remembered as a young man with a bright future, his life cut short under tragic circumstances. The incident has sparked conversations about accountability and justice, highlighting the devastating consequences of reckless actions.
The legal process continues as the community mourns Gavin's loss and supports his family in their pursuit of justice.
Seeking Accountability and Healing
While the lawsuit may provide a sense of justice, it cannot undo the loss of Gavin Knupp. The community's focus remains on healing and ensuring that actions are taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
For Gavin's family, the pursuit of accountability serves as a testament to their enduring love for him and their determination to honor his memory.
