Ashland woman faces charges after fatal wrong-way crash on Route 9 in Southborough
SOUTHBOROUGH, MA – A 23-year-old Ashland woman was arraigned Friday in Westborough District Court in connection with a February crash on Route 9 that left another driver dead, according to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office. The early morning collision on Turnpike Road drew multiple emergency calls and led to a multi-agency investigation into what officials say was a wrong-way incident.
Abigail Throckmorton was arraigned on charges of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, driving the wrong way on a state highway, marked lanes violation, and speeding. The case stems from a crash reported around 3:00 a.m. on February 20, when first responders arrived to find a two-vehicle collision on Route 9 East.
Crash details and investigation
According to the district attorney’s office, “On February 20, 2026, around 3:00 a.m., Southborough Police Department received calls about a serious motor vehicle crash on Turnpike Road (Route 9 East).” Responders located two vehicles involved in the crash upon arrival.
A preliminary investigation indicated that Throckmorton’s vehicle had been traveling in the wrong direction prior to the collision. “A preliminary investigation suggested that the vehicle driven by Throckmorton had been traveling the wrong way prior to the collision,” the release stated.
The driver of the second vehicle, identified as 37-year-old Crystal Johnson Clementi, died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Court conditions and next steps
Throckmorton was released on personal recognizance following her arraignment, with conditions imposed by the court. Those conditions include that she not operate a motor vehicle, remain drug and alcohol free with random screenings, and stay within Massachusetts.
“The case is continued to June 30 for a pretrial conference,” the district attorney’s office said.
The crash remains under investigation by the Southborough Police Department, the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.