On the evening of Tuesday, September 24, 2024, a tragic pedestrian collision in Montgomery County left a 61-year-old man dead. The Montgomery County Department of Police’s Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) has launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
The event unfolded around 9:12 p.m. when officers from the Rockville City Police Department and emergency personnel from Montgomery County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the intersection of Hungerford Road and Beall Avenue. Reports of a collision involving a pedestrian and a vehicle, a silver 2010 Nissan Maxima, brought first responders rushing to the scene.
When they arrived, they found the pedestrian, identified as Jose Rene Del Cid Ramos, 61, who had suffered multiple serious injuries. Despite immediate medical attention, Ramos’ condition deteriorated, and he was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival.
Initial findings from the police investigation reveal that the driver of the Nissan Maxima, who has not yet been publicly identified, was traveling northbound on Hungerford Road when the vehicle struck Ramos. The area, a busy intersection in Rockville, often sees high traffic volume, especially during the evening. However, police have not indicated whether visibility issues, speed, or other factors contributed to the fatal collision.
Importantly, the driver of the Nissan remained on the scene after the incident. According to authorities, the driver has been cooperative with investigators, providing key details that may help clarify the circumstances that led to the tragic accident. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that the driver was impaired or distracted at the time of the crash, but the investigation is still ongoing, and further details may emerge.
This unfortunate incident raises ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in Montgomery County, a region that has seen a rise in such accidents over recent years. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, in 2022, the state saw over 120 pedestrian fatalities, with a significant portion of those occurring in urban and suburban areas like Rockville. Hungerford Road, which runs through the heart of Rockville, is particularly known for its high pedestrian traffic due to its proximity to residential areas, businesses, and public facilities.
While it’s still unclear what specific factors contributed to this accident, past studies have highlighted common issues in pedestrian-involved collisions. These include poor lighting, inadequate crosswalks, distracted driving, and pedestrians crossing streets outside of designated crosswalks. Hungerford Road is not exempt from these concerns, and local officials have been urged in the past to improve traffic and pedestrian safety measures in the area.
The CRU is continuing its work to reconstruct the scene and understand the full sequence of events. Collision reconstruction experts specialize in analyzing factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the condition of the road, and witness statements. These experts are trained to uncover even the most minute details that could clarify the causes of a crash. In this case, detectives are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have additional information to come forward. Witness statements often provide invaluable insights, particularly in situations where video footage or other objective evidence is limited.
Authorities have released the CRU’s contact number, (240) 773-6620, in the hopes that anyone with relevant information will assist in the ongoing investigation. Public cooperation is essential in these cases, as even the smallest piece of information can significantly impact the outcome.
The death of Jose Rene Del Cid Ramos has sent shockwaves through the local community. Pedestrian fatalities are not just statistics; they represent real lives lost, leaving behind grieving families and friends. Pedestrian deaths in Montgomery County have become an alarming issue, with county officials pledging to reduce traffic-related fatalities as part of their broader Vision Zero initiative. Vision Zero aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on Maryland roads by 2030 through improved road design, education, and enforcement.
For now, the family of Ramos and the Rockville community must grapple with the tragic loss. Authorities will continue their investigation in the coming weeks, and further updates are expected as more details emerge.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of pedestrian safety and the need for both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant on the road. It’s a collective responsibility shared by everyone to ensure the streets are safe for all users, whether walking, biking, or driving.