The Forestville, Maryland, community is mourning the unexpected passing of Charles Smellie Jr., who died Friday morning following a police pursuit that came to an end near the Aberdeen Proving Ground.

According to Maryland State Police, the pursuit began on Interstate 95 in Baltimore County before continuing onto Maryland Route 152 in Harford County. The pursuit eventually ended near the Aberdeen Proving Ground gate, where emergency crews discovered Charles, the sole occupant of a white 2026 sedan, deceased.

Investigators preliminarily determined that Charles died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities also said that no law enforcement officers fired their weapons during the incident.

While the circumstances surrounding his final moments remain under investigation, the news of Charles’ death has brought profound sadness to those who knew and loved him. His passing came unexpectedly, leaving family members and friends with the difficult reality of saying goodbye far sooner than they ever imagined.

For those closest to Charles, the pain is not only in his absence but also in the countless memories now becoming treasured reminders of his life.