An elderly American couple married for 70 years died holding hands after a fatal car accident: ‘They chose each other every day’

An elderly Maryland couple who had been married for 70 years died holding hands in a car accident that left both of them seriously injured.On February 24, 90-year-old Kenneth Oland and his 88-year-old wife Marilyn Oland were involved in a two-vehicle crash near U.S. 15 and Herson Bridge Road in Frederick County, Maryland. Authorities said the crash occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m.According to Maryland State Police, Kenneth Oran was driving a Ford 500 southbound on Hessong Bridge Road in an attempt to cross U.S. 15. Investigators said the vehicle failed to yield and was struck by a northbound Chevrolet Cruze.Kenneth Oran and Marilyn Oran were both seriously injured in the accident. First responders transported them to a trauma center in Baltimore for treatment. The driver of the other vehicle was also taken to the hospital by ambulance, authorities said.The couple spent several days in the hospital following the accident. Six days later, on March 2, they removed life support. Hospital staff placed their beds side by side and the couple died holding hands.Medical officials later determined that Kenneth Oran died from injuries including lack of oxygen, pneumonia, a pulmonary contusion and broken ribs. Marilyn Oran’s cause of death was listed as post-crash cardiac arrest, respiratory distress and broken ribs.Kenneth Oland and Marilyn Oland married in 1955. The couple moved to Thurmont, Maryland, in 1963 and lived there for several decades.The couple spent most of their lives together and were well known in the community, family members said. They regularly visit the Thurmont Senior Center, often eating lunch and playing bingo there. According to friends, the couple left the center about 15 minutes before the accident.The couple leaves behind three children, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.The Thurmont Senior Center describes Kenneth and Marilyn Oran as a familiar couple who were rarely separated. The center said in a statement that the couple were “two people who genuinely choose each other every day.”Friends and family said the couple was active in the community and maintained close relationships with relatives and neighbors.