Parkersburg, W.Va. — Ashley Perry, 42, of Parkersburg, died on the night of December 31, 2025 after a two-vehicle crash at the busy intersection of Murphytown Road and U.S. Route 50 (Robert Byrd Highway), according to the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. The news has left her family, friends and the tight-knit community in deep sorrow as they remember a vibrant life cut short.
The wreck happened just after 7:35 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, a time when many were wrapping up the last hours of the year. Emergency dispatchers sent crews from the Eastwood Volunteer Fire Department, Camden Clark Ambulance Service, and sheriff’s deputies to the scene after calls came in about a crash involving two cars.
Investigators say Perry was behind the wheel of her 2024 Lexus sedan and attempting to make a left turn from Murphytown Road onto westbound Route 50 when her car was struck on the side by an eastbound 2020 Jeep Wrangler, driven by Hanna Demoss. First responders worked quickly, but Perry’s injuries proved too severe and she died at the scene.
Officials from the sheriff’s office have now wrapped up the initial investigation and confirmed no criminal charges will be filed in connection with the crash. Authorities extended their deepest condolences to Perry’s loved ones and noted how hard losses like this hit small communities where people know one another by name.
Those who knew Ashley describe her as more than a statistic or a name in a report. She was cherished for her kindness, her ready smile, and the way she made others feel seen. Family members say she filled every room with warmth and was always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear. Her passing has left a void that will be felt by many.
As the community looks back on the final hours of 2025, Perry’s death is a stark reminder of how fragile life can be. Neighbors have gathered to support one another, sharing stories of laughter, strength and moments that captured who she was. Friends remember her as someone who lived life with purpose and never took a single moment for granted.
Services to honor Ashley’s life are being planned, with details to be shared by her family. In the meantime, Parkersburg continues to rally around those closest to her — offering comfort, shared memories, and standing together in grief.
Ashley Perry’s memory lives on in the hearts of those who loved her dearly. She was deeply loved, will be greatly missed, and her legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched.
