Livingston County officials confirmed that a tragic traffic fatality occurred on the westbound lanes of I‑96 near the U.S. 23 interchange early Wednesday morning. The victim, a 28‑year‑old resident of Fenton, was killed after leaving his Ford Escape to inspect damage from a collision with a deer.
Sequence of events
State police reports indicate the accident happened at approximately 3:30 a.m. The driver’s SUV struck a deer, causing the vehicle to stop in the right‑hand lane of the freeway rather than pulling over onto the shoulder. After the impact, the driver exited the vehicle to assess the situation.
While the Escape remained stationary, a westbound box truck traveling in the center lane shifted into the right lane. The truck driver attempted to avoid the stopped SUV, swerving toward the shoulder, but was unable to stop in time and struck the man who was standing beside his vehicle.
Response and investigation
Emergency responders arrived promptly, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not released his name pending notification of family members. The driver of the box truck was not injured.
Michigan State Police closed westbound I‑96 for several hours while troopers conducted a thorough investigation of the crash. The roadway has since been reopened to traffic.
Road safety reminder
Officials urge motorists to remain in their vehicles after a wildlife collision whenever possible and to move to the shoulder if it can be done safely. Exiting a stopped vehicle on a busy freeway can expose individuals to oncoming traffic, especially in low‑light conditions.
Travelers are also reminded to stay alert for wildlife, particularly during dawn and dusk hours when deer are most active. Reducing speed in areas with known wildlife crossings can help prevent similar tragedies.
Community impact
The loss of a young adult from Fenton has resonated throughout the local community, prompting expressions of sympathy from city leaders and law‑enforcement agencies. While the investigation continues, authorities will release any additional findings that may help improve roadway safety in the region.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
