Frederick Father Killed in Tractor-Trailer Crash on I-70

A tractor-trailer driver "failed to negotiate the speed" and jackknifed, police said

A Maryland man was killed Wednesday after a tractor-trailer driver lost control and crashed into his car where I-70 meets I-270, officials say.

Ross Jonathan Micheals, 40, of Frederick, died after the crash that occurred about 5:30 a.m. The father of two had picked up a computer from his office and was returning home so he could work from there, Maryland State Police said.

Micheals was driving a gray 2003 Toyota Corolla on I-70 eastbound and was merging onto I-270 southbound when he hit traffic, police said.

The driver of a tractor-trailer in the lane next to him slammed on his brakes and lost control, according to police.

"He failed to negotiate the speed and saw the traffic was slowing. He hit his brakes abruptly, the tractor-trailer jack-knifed and the trailer swung to the left, colliding into the rear of a Toyota Carolla," Lt. Wayne Wachsmuth said.

The trailer crashed into Micheals car and forced it into the back of the Ford F-150 pickup truck in front of him, police said. Micheals' car was spun around on the highway.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Neighbors of Micheals said they were shocked to learn of the tragedy.

"Difficult to hear, especially this time of year," MaryLou Brunskill said.

No charges have been filed against the tractor-trailer driver, who lives in Hagerstown. A reconstruction team will investigate.

Micheals' death is the 10th traffic fatality in Frederick County this year.

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