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Wrong-way driver who hit, killed parents of 6 in Southfield freeway crash arrested

Mother, father killed on way home from date night

The Ambrosio family from Farmington Hills. Mother Jen and father Ryan were killed in a wrong-way crash on the Lodge Freeway in Detroit on Jan. 6, 2024. (WDIV)

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – A driver traveling the wrong way on the Lodge Freeway in Southfield without any headlights on has been arrested for crashing into a vehicle, killing two parents.

UPDATE: Wrong-way driver gets murder charges in crash that killed Metro Detroit parents of 6

In the early morning hours of Saturday, Jan. 6, Jen and Ryan Ambrosio -- a couple from Farmington Hills -- were struck by a wrong-way driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of the Lodge Freeway (M-10). The Ambrosios, who have six children together, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials said the parents were returning home after a date night together.

The driver of the wrong-way vehicle, a 35-year-old Romulus man, and his passenger, a 29-year-old Detroit woman, were injured and hospitalized after the crash. Michigan State Police said the pair was attempting to flee from authorities.

Here’s what happened that morning, according to police:

  • Troopers on patrol spotted a stolen Ford pickup truck at a gas station on 8 Mile Road at 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 6.
  • The driver of the truck backed up, nearly struck the patrol car, and left the gas station.
  • The driver fled from police as troopers attempted to pull him over. Police pursued the driver onto the northbound Lodge Freeway.
  • The driver got off at northbound Telegraph Road, turned off his headlights, did a U-turn to head southbound on Telegraph Road, and reentered the northbound lanes of the Lodge.
  • The driver was now traveling in the wrong direction on the freeway with his headlights off.
  • That’s when the wrong-way vehicle struck a GMC Terrain near Civic Center Drive. The Ambrosios were killed in the crash.

The Romulus man and Detroit woman were initially listed in serious condition at the hospital. Officials said both of them were expected to survive.

The man was taken into custody. It was unknown what exact charges he might face.

Community mourns

The community has come together in mourning of Jen Ambrosio, 43, and Ryan Ambrosio, 45, who leave behind their six young children between the ages of 2 and 9 years old.

“We are all shocked by this news. It was so sad,” said Noriko Ernst, a member of the family’s church.

Every Sunday, Ernst plays the piano for mass at Our Lady Sorrow Catholic Church in Farmington. Every Sunday, she would see Jen and Ryan Ambrosio, along with their half a dozen kids. Ernst said she’ll never forget the moment when she learned of the couple’s death.

“I was so shocked. I couldn’t think. I was actually trying to just compose myself because I had to play for mass,” Ernst said. “And after the mass, I was kinda stuck thinking, ‘Oh my goodness, I’m not gonna see them anymore.’

“Jen and Ryan were gentle, unassuming, patient -- just goodness.” Ernst said. “They were a wonderful model for the entire church family.”

The funeral for the parents is scheduled for this weekend.

You can watch Victor Williams’ report on this below.


About the Authors
Cassidy Johncox headshot

Cassidy Johncox is a senior digital news editor covering stories across the spectrum, with a special focus on politics and community issues.

Victor Williams headshot

Victor Williams joined Local 4 News in October of 2019 after working for WOIO in Cleveland, OH, WLOX News in Biloxi, MS, and WBBJ in Jackson, TN. Victor developed a love for journalism after realizing he was a great speaker and writer at an early age.

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