Woman Struck, Killed On Shoulder Of I-270 After Car Hits Debris

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A woman who had stopped on the shoulder of Interstate 270 after hitting debris was struck and killed by another vehicle, Maryland State Police said.

Kelly Elizabeth Vanaman, 34, of Frederick, was struck around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday on the left shoulder of I-270 North near Gaithersburg. Authorities said Vanaman, who was driving a blue Nissan Rogue, struck debris in the road — possibly a chair — and then pulled over to investigate.

She got out of the car and began walking to a second motorist who had pulled over after avoiding the debris. According to authorities, a gray Toyota Corolla swerved to avoid traffic that had slowed down. He then struck the left jersey wall and hit Vanaman.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the driver of the Toyota was taken to Holy Cross Hospital. The extent of his injuries are not yet known.

Part of northbound I-270 was shut down as a result of the crash.