Gaston County Paramedic Killed While Rendering Aid on Florida’s I-95: Legal Options for Families

A beloved paramedic from Gaston County, North Carolina, has died after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to help a crash victim on Interstate 95 in Brevard County, Florida. Authorities say 27-year-old Mary Jolly, of Dallas, North Carolina, was critically injured early Saturday morning, November 15, as she stopped to provide medical aid at the scene of a wreck. She later passed away on Monday, November 17, at a Florida hospital.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Jolly—who was off duty at the time—stopped along I-95 to assist a driver involved in a crash. While she was rendering aid, another vehicle struck her, causing catastrophic injuries.

She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but did not survive.

The identity of the driver who struck her and the circumstances leading up to the collision have not yet been released. The investigation remains active.

Jolly served Gaston County Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) since 2021 and earned significant recognition for her dedication and excellence:

• B-Shift Outstanding Paramedic (2023)
• Member of the GEMS Swift Water Rescue Team, which recently competed statewide
• Part of the EMS crew credited with saving a cardiac arrest patient earlier this year

GEMS Deputy Chief Jamie McConnell described her as a compassionate and steady presence whose impact stretched far beyond her shift hours:

“Mary was more than a colleague — she was part of our EMS family. Her compassion, steady presence, and deep commitment to serving this community touched countless lives.”

Her loss is deeply felt across her department, her community, and the many lives she touched through her service.

Legal Rights for Families After a Roadside Assistance Fatality

When a Good Samaritan or first responder is struck while helping others on the roadway, multiple parties may potentially be held liable. Even if the crash is still under investigation, families should understand the legal avenues available under Florida law.

Here are key areas an attorney will investigate:

1. Driver Negligence

The driver who struck Ms. Jolly may be held civilly liable if they:

• Failed to slow down
• Were speeding
• Were distracted or impaired
• Failed to move over as required by law

Under Florida Statute §316.126, drivers must move over or slow down when approaching emergency responders or disabled vehicles. Violating this law can support a wrongful death claim.

2. Failure to Maintain a Safe Scene

If the original crash scene lacked:

• Proper hazard signals
• Lighting
• Reflective markers
• Road flares

…liability may also extend to other drivers or entities whose negligence contributed to the unsafe conditions.

3. Government or Roadway Design Liability

If visibility, road design, or lack of signage contributed to the crash, the city, county, or state may be partially responsible. Attorneys can analyze:

• Lighting conditions
• Road shoulder width
• Sightline obstructions
• Whether the area is known for prior incidents

4. Wrongful Death Claims

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26), surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship
• Mental and emotional suffering
• Loss of financial support or services
• Medical expenses incurred before death

These claims can be filed by the personal representative of the estate on behalf of surviving family members.

Cases involving roadside fatalities require rapid investigation. Critical evidence can disappear within hours:

• Skid marks fade
• Surveillance footage is overwritten
• Witnesses become difficult to locate
• Vehicles are repaired or destroyed

Early involvement of an experienced law firm helps ensure every detail is preserved.

Families who experience similar tragedies deserve justice, accountability, and support. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones in preventable crashes, including Good Samaritans and first responders injured while helping others.

We provide:

• Free consultations
• No upfront costs
• Compassionate, dedicated legal representation
• Direct contact with your attorney—not staff or case managers

If your family has suffered a devastating loss on Florida’s roadways, we are here to help.