The Tragic Death of Gavin Ross Knupp: A Community’s Fight for Justice
On the night of July 11, 2022, the life of 14-year-old Gavin Ross Knupp was tragically cut short in a hit-and-run incident on Gray’s Corner Road in Berlin, Maryland. Gavin, a vibrant teenager from Ocean Pines, was struck and killed by a vehicle whose driver failed to stop and render aid. This devastating event not only shattered his family but also left an indelible mark on the close-knit community of Ocean Pines.
The Incident
Gavin had been out with his older sister, Summer, when he spotted a taxidermy buck’s head mounted on a telephone pole along Gray’s Corner Road. Eager to capture the unusual sight, he asked Summer to stop the car. After taking a photo, Gavin began to cross the road to return to the vehicle. It was during this crossing that he was struck by a black Mercedes. Summer rushed to his side, attempting CPR and calling 911, but despite her efforts, Gavin succumbed to his injuries shortly after the collision .
The Pursuit of Justice
In the aftermath of the tragedy, law enforcement launched an intensive investigation. Within days, they identified the vehicle involved and traced it to a home in the Ocean Reef community. The driver, 22-year-old Tyler Mailloux of Berlin, was subsequently charged with 17 offenses, including multiple felonies related to the fatal hit-and-run .
On February 25, 2025, Mailloux pleaded guilty to a single felony count of failing to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death. Judge Brett R. Wilson accepted the plea and ordered Mailloux to be taken into custody pending sentencing .
Sentencing and Community Reaction
On March 19, 2025, Mailloux was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with all but 18 months suspended, meaning he would serve 18 months in jail followed by three years of supervised probation. The sentence sparked outrage among the Knupp family and the local community. Gavin’s mother, Tiffany Knupp, expressed her grief, stating, “Tyler’s choices took the life of my son, and my daughter’s best friend.” Family attorney Neil Dubovsky criticized the lack of genuine remorse shown by Mailloux and his family, stating that their statements appeared to be attempts to avoid the consequences of his actions .
Civil Lawsuit and Ongoing Advocacy
In addition to the criminal proceedings, the Knupp family filed a civil lawsuit against Mailloux, seeking further accountability for his actions. Attorney Neil Dubovsky emphasized that while the family acknowledged the criminal conviction, they believed Mailloux was at fault for the accident itself, not just for fleeing the scene .
The community rallied around the Knupp family, organizing memorials and events to honor Gavin’s memory. A memorial paddleout was held on the one-year anniversary of his death, bringing together friends, family, and supporters to celebrate his life and advocate for justice .
The Legacy of Gavin Ross Knupp
Gavin’s untimely death highlighted the importance of accountability and the impact of one’s actions on a community. His family’s unwavering pursuit of justice serves as a testament to their love for him and their commitment to ensuring that such a tragedy does not fade into the past without recognition and consequence.
As the legal proceedings continue and the civil lawsuit progresses, the Knupp family remains steadfast in their mission to honor Gavin’s legacy and seek justice for the loss of their beloved son and brother.
