Tragic Wrong-Way Crash on I-45 Claims Life of Engineer Steve Nartey
On February 6, 2025, a catastrophic wrong-way crash on the I-45 North Freeway in Houston, Texas, claimed the life of Steve Nartey, a 42-year-old engineer and devoted father of three. The incident unfolded around 3:15 a.m. when Monica Valdez, 32, allegedly drove her Ford F-150 at high speed in the wrong direction, colliding with Nartey’s Jeep southbound near Crosstimbers Street. Nartey, who was returning home from work, was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving his family and the Houston community grappling with profound loss. Valdez, who was out on bond awaiting trial for drug conspiracy charges in Brazos County, reportedly attempted to flee the crash site, as recounted by witness Louis Gutierrez, who heard her pleas to escape after the collision that also involved two additional vehicles.
The Houston Police Department reported that Valdez may have been driving against traffic for 10 to 15 minutes, with numerous drivers alerting authorities to her erratic behavior prior to the crash. This tragic event underscores the devastating consequences of such reckless actions, as Nartey’s death leaves behind a grieving wife and children. Valdez’s prior legal troubles, tied to a second-degree felony drug conspiracy case set for trial in June, add a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation, with prosecutors in Brazos and Harris Counties now coordinating their efforts.
