Tragedy on I-270: Wrong-Way Crash Claims Lives of Two Young Drivers in Germantown, Maryland
GERMANTOWN, Md. — A devastating head-on collision on Interstate 270 in the early hours of Saturday, July 5, 2025, has left two families shattered and a community mourning. Authorities confirmed that the violent crash, caused by a wrong-way driver, claimed the lives of 25-year-old Ashley Salazar of Clarksburg and 33-year-old Jeremy De La Torre of Frederick.
The crash occurred just before 3:00 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-270, near Germantown. According to investigators with the Montgomery County Police Department, for reasons still under investigation, Salazar was driving her Chevrolet Cruze southbound in the northbound lanes of the highway. At a high rate of speed, her vehicle collided head-on with a Honda Accord being driven by De La Torre, who was traveling in the correct direction.
Emergency responders arrived quickly on the scene, but the impact was catastrophic. Both Salazar and De La Torre were pronounced dead at the scene. No passengers were reported in either vehicle.
Authorities with the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration assisted with the overnight road closure and the subsequent cleanup efforts. All northbound lanes of I-270 were shut down for several hours, reopening later Saturday morning after investigators completed their on-site assessment and crews cleared the wreckage.
The Victims
Ashley Salazar, a resident of Clarksburg, was just 25 years old. Friends and family describe her as bright, kind-hearted, and full of promise. She was known for her compassion and vibrant spirit, with a future that many say was tragically cut short far too soon.
Jeremy De La Torre, age 33, of Frederick, was remembered as a dedicated professional, a loyal friend, and a beloved son and brother. A calm presence with a warm smile, Jeremy was driving home after visiting friends that night when the unthinkable happened. His sudden and senseless loss has left his community reeling.
Investigation Ongoing
Montgomery County authorities have not released further details about what may have caused Salazar to drive the wrong way on a major interstate. Toxicology reports, dashcam footage, and possible eyewitness accounts are all expected to play a role in the ongoing investigation.
Wrong-way crashes, while rare, are among the most deadly types of highway incidents. The National Transportation Safety Board has long advocated for better measures to prevent such occurrences, including improved signage, lighting, and real-time warning systems on high-speed roadways.
A Community in Mourning
As news of the tragedy spread, tributes began pouring in for both victims. Social media platforms were filled with photos, memories, and expressions of shock and grief. Local churches in both Clarksburg and Frederick have offered their spaces for remembrance gatherings in the coming days.
“This is a heartbreak that words cannot mend,” said a family friend of De La Torre. “Jeremy had so much to offer this world, and now we’re left only with memories and what-ifs.”
A close friend of Salazar described her as someone who “always lit up the room. She loved fiercely, laughed loudly, and lived without fear. This loss is immeasurable.”
Final Thoughts
The fatal collision on I-270 serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of life and the dangers that can unfold in the blink of an eye. As the investigation continues, both families and their communities are left to grieve, asking questions that may never be fully answered.
Authorities urge anyone who may have witnessed the crash or seen a vehicle traveling the wrong way on I-270 that night to come forward with information that might help piece together the events leading up to this heartbreaking loss.
For now, Montgomery County mourns two lives ended far too soon — a young woman and a young man whose journeys crossed in the most tragic of circumstances.