FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Loudoun County, VA (May 12, 2022) – The driver involved in the May 5, 2022, fatal crash that took the life of an Ashburn woman has been charged with Involuntary Manslaughter after an investigation determined he was traveling in excess of 30 mph over the posted 45 mph speed limit just prior to the crash.
Ryan C. Lanza, 20, of Ashburn, turned himself over to authorities Thursday.
The investigation determined that at approximately 11:20 a.m., last Thursday the driver of a 2006 Honda Civic was traveling west on Windmill Drive when she proceeded to turn left onto southbound Claiborne Parkway. At that time, a 2016 Subaru WRX driven by Lanza was heading northbound on Claiborne Parkway and was traveling well in excess of the posted speed limit when the vehicles collided.
The driver of the Honda Civic, Deborah Michel, 65 of Ashburn, was transported to a local area hospital where she died from her injuries. Lanza was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries and later released.
Lanza was released from the Loudoun County Detention Center on a $5,000 secured bond.
Original Release:
Loudoun County, VA (May 5, 2022) – The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that occurred this morning at the intersection of Windmill Drive and Claiborne Parkway in Ashburn.
This morning at approximately 11:20 a.m., the driver of a 2006 Honda Civic was traveling west on Windmill Drive and struck a vehicle going north on Claiborne Parkway. The driver of the Honda Civic, Deborah Michel, 65 of Ashburn, was transported to a local area hospital where she died from her injuries. The driver of the other vehicle, an adult male, was transported to a local area hospital for treatment of his injuries.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. At this time there is no indication that alcohol, drugs, or use of a cellphone contributed to the crash.
Witnesses to the crash who have not already spoken with law enforcement are asked to contact Investigator D. Lake of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit at 703-777-1021 or by email.
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