MARTIN, TX, (July 01, 2026) — A head-on collision on Interstate Highway 20 in Martin County claimed the lives of a Stanton woman and two teenage passengers Wednesday, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Authorities identified the driver as Debra Ramirez, 42, of Stanton. DPS said Ramirez was traveling westbound and attempting to merge onto the IH-20 on-ramp when a vehicle driven by a 56-year-old man allegedly failed to yield the right of way, resulting in a head-on collision.
Ramirez and one of her passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger was transported to Martin County Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The victims were girls ages 16 and 14, although authorities had not immediately released their identities.
A passenger traveling in the other vehicle sustained serious injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
