The Montgomery County community is rallying around 18-year-old Andy Fon Koh as he continues to fight for his life following a devastating car crash earlier this month.
Andy, a Montgomery County native and freshman at Salisbury University’s Perdue School of Business, remains unconscious and on life support after the February 12 crash in Wicomico County. The vehicle he was riding in became submerged in water, and Andy was airlifted to Shock Trauma in Baltimore, where he has been receiving critical care ever since.
In the days following the crash, an outpouring of support has emerged from friends, classmates, neighbors, and people across Montgomery County and beyond. Messages of prayer, encouragement, and hope have flooded social media, while many have stepped forward to support Andy’s family during an unimaginable time.
According to a GoFundMe created on Andy’s behalf, he is known by those close to him as kind, gentle, intelligent, and always willing to help others. At just 18 years old, he had only recently begun college and had his entire future ahead of him.
Andy’s mother, Agnes Nwalipenja, has remained at his bedside throughout his hospitalization. A devoted single parent, she immigrated from Cameroon 13 years ago with her two children in search of opportunity and a better future. Since Andy’s hospitalization, she has been unable to work as she focuses entirely on her son’s condition and recovery.
As medical uncertainty continues, the financial strain on the family has grown. Everyday expenses such as rent, utilities, food, and transportation have not stopped, adding pressure during a moment when the family’s only focus should be Andy’s healing. The GoFundMe campaign is intended to help cover these essential living expenses while Agnes remains by her son’s side.
Supporters are asking the community for prayers according to their faith, positive thoughts, and healing intentions for Andy, along with strength and peace for his mother and sister and wisdom for the medical team caring for him. For those unable to donate, sharing Andy’s story and keeping him in their thoughts is also deeply appreciated.
The crash that led to Andy’s injuries occurred just before 9pm on February 12 in the Fruitland area. Maryland State Police say the vehicle failed to stop at a posted stop sign, struck a guardrail, and came to rest in Coulbourn Mill Pond. The driver, 18-year-old Rockville resident Matthew Garcia, was pronounced dead after being flown to a trauma center. Andy was critically injured, and another passenger was transported to a local hospital. The investigation remains ongoing.
