It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that the Gaithersburg community mourns the tragic loss of 20-year-old Chester Brandon, who was fatally struck in a pedestrian collision early Friday morning, October 31, 2025.
According to the Montgomery County Police Department, the heartbreaking incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. in the area of Frederick Avenue near South Summit Avenue. Investigators say Chester was attempting to cross the roadway when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle. Despite immediate efforts by first responders and emergency medical personnel, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver remained on-site and is cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
The sudden loss of such a young life has sent waves of grief throughout the Gaithersburg community. Friends, neighbors, and classmates have expressed deep sadness over Chester’s untimely passing, remembering him as a kind, driven, and good-hearted young man with a bright future ahead.
Chester Brandon, known to his friends as “C.B.,” was admired for his positive energy, ambition, and unwavering kindness. He recently completed his second year at Montgomery College and had dreams of transferring to the University of Maryland to study information technology. Those who knew him describe him as a young man who could always make others smile — someone whose laughter was contagious and whose generosity had no limits.
His former high school teachers recalled him as an exceptional student who treated everyone with respect. “Chester had a gentle spirit and a genuine heart,” one teacher shared. “He wanted to succeed, not just for himself, but to make his family proud.”
In a heartfelt statement, Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman extended condolences to the Brandon family:
“Our hearts are broken over the loss of a promising young member of our community. Chester’s life, though far too short, was filled with kindness, hope, and potential. We send our deepest sympathy and support to his loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable grief.”
As the community processes this tragedy, a makeshift memorial has formed near the site of the accident. Flowers, candles, and handwritten messages line the sidewalk — a moving tribute to a life taken too soon. Local residents have also organized an online fundraiser to support Chester’s family with funeral and memorial expenses, which has already drawn significant support and heartfelt messages from across the region.
Counseling and grief resources are being made available at Montgomery College for students and faculty affected by the loss. Plans for a candlelight vigil are underway, where friends, classmates, and family members will gather to honor Chester’s memory and celebrate his life.
As investigators continue to piece together the circumstances of the collision, the community of Gaithersburg stands united in mourning — holding tightly to the memory of a young man whose light touched so many lives.
Chester Brandon’s legacy will be remembered in the laughter he shared, the kindness he showed, and the love he left behind. Though gone far too soon, his spirit will forever remain a part of the Gaithersburg community he called home.
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