Michigan State Police are investigating a single-vehicle crash Friday evening in Branch County that killed a 26-year-old Coldwater man and his 5-year-old son and left the man's 4-year-old daughter seriously injured.
The crash
Troopers from the MSP Marshall Post responded about 6:20 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, to East Central Road near South Centennial Road in Ovid Township. According to MSP, a 2017 Buick Enclave driven by the 26-year-old man was traveling westbound on East Central Road when it left the roadway, struck a tree and overturned in a field south of the road.
The driver was ejected from the vehicle, while both children were trapped inside. Troopers were able to extricate the children and immediately began lifesaving measures.
Injuries
Despite those efforts, the driver succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene, MSP said. The 5-year-old boy was transported to Insight Hospital in Coldwater for advanced medical treatment but later died. The 4-year-old girl was initially taken to Beacon Health in Marshall for stabilization before being transferred to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo with life-threatening injuries.
Investigation
Preliminary findings indicate speed may have been a contributing factor, according to MSP. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, and the 5-year-old boy was not restrained in a child safety seat; the 4-year-old girl was secured in one. Alcohol and drug use are not believed to be factors in the crash.
Troopers were assisted by Life Care EMS, Lakeland Volunteer Fire Department, Coldwater Fire Department, the Branch County Sheriff's Department and Samaritan Helicopter.
What's next
The crash remains under investigation, and no further details have been released. MSP has not identified the victims pending family notification.
