High school friends out for night of fun end up in nightmare

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008

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September 27 started out as a fun night for Ashley J. Younger, a Frostburg State University freshman, and her friend, Jordan Wells, 18.

In town for her mother Stephanie's promotion ceremony to Army sergeant first class, Younger went to the carnival at St. Charles Towne Center on Friday night with Wells.

On the way home, Wells lost control of her car on a rain-slicked Smallwood Drive, crashing into trees, according to police reports.

A Maryland State Police helicopter was called to the scene to transport the two teens to Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly.

Shortly after taking off, the helicopter crashed in Walker Mill Regional Park in District Heights.

With the exception of Wells, who suffered broken bones, internal injuries and remains in critical condition, everyone on board — including pilot Stephen H. Bunker, emergency medical technician Tonya Mallard, trooper Mickey Lippy and Younger — died.

Currently under investigation, the crash might have been caused by bad weather.

On Tuesday, Younger's mother was not available to speak with Maryland Independent reporters.

A woman at Younger's Waldorf home said Stephanie Younger was making funeral arrangements for her only child.

Tributes to Younger are flooding the online Facebook group "RIP Ashley Younger" with more than 400 members expressing their grief.

Younger is being remembered by those who knew her as "vibrant" and "uplifting."

"… [I]t was impossible not to smile after being in her presence," said Younger's friend, Romney Makle in an e-mail, adding that he thought of her as a younger sister. "Whenever you needed help, Ashley never hesitated to be there by your side."

A dedicated student, Younger was focused on her education, said Chrystal Benson, Westlake High School principal.

Spending part of her senior year as an office aide, the teen left an impression on Benson.

"Ashley had a wonderful sense of humor … [she] had a smile and a wave for everybody," recalled Benson, describing Younger as a sweet and inquisitive girl.

A "math and science whiz," according her cousin, Ricky Jones Jr., Younger was an accounting major at Frostburg.

Outside of school, Younger spent time volunteering, including a stint last summer at a children's center alongside Jones.

"She was really caring and outgoing," he said.

"I can't express in words how my family is grieving. We are totally shocked and dismayed."

Wells, a former Westlake swimmer and yearbook staffer, is currently in a Baltimore trauma center, according to media reports.

Benson said Wells was an outgoing and vivacious student during her time at Westlake.

"Jordan displayed a lot of determination," Benson said. "I hope that helps her to make a speedy recovery."

Staff writers Joany Nazdin and Bethany Rodgers contributed to this report.

staylor@somdnews.com