Mary Jolly, a 27-year-old paramedic with Gaston County EMS (GEMS), tragically passed away on Monday, Nov. 17, at a Florida hospital. She had been critically injured two days earlier when she stopped on I-95 in Brevard County to help a driver who had been struck. While providing aid, she was herself struck by another vehicle.
According to authorities, just after midnight on Saturday, Nov. 15, Jolly pulled over off the highway to assist a motorist involved in a crash. The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed she was trying to render medical care when a second vehicle hit her. She was airlifted from the scene in critical condition.
Despite the efforts of medical staff, she succumbed to her injuries on Monday morning, surrounded by her family and GEMS Chief Mark Lamphiear. Her death was announced in a statement by Gaston County, which expressed deep sorrow over the loss of someone who “was more than a colleague — she was part of our EMS family.”
Jolly joined GEMS in 2021 and was known for her dedication and bravery. She was a valued member of the department’s swift water rescue team and was recognized in 2023 as the B-Shift Outstanding Paramedic. She was also involved in a high-profile rescue earlier this year when she helped save a resident having a heart attack.
Gaston County officials, including Deputy Chief Jamie McConnell, have spoken out about her deeply felt loss. “Her compassion, steady presence, and deep commitment to serving this community touched countless lives,” McConnell said. Vincent Wong, the county’s deputy manager, added, “Mary represented the finest qualities of our EMS professionals — dedication, courage, and a commitment to caring for every person she encountered.”
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash. Authorities have not yet released details about the condition of the driver she was helping at the time of the accident.
In the wake of her passing, friends, colleagues, and community members are remembering Mary not just as a first responder, but as someone who would risk everything to help a stranger. Her selflessness and heroism have left a lasting mark — and her loss is being deeply mourned by those she served and protected.
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