NEWAYGO COUNTY, Mich. — Authorities in Michigan are investigating a tragic crash that occurred Wednesday in Newaygo County, resulting in the death of a motorcyclist. The incident took place along M-37 Highway near 22 Mile Road in Ashland Township, according to information released by the Michigan State Police.
Officials reported that the crash involved a motorcycle and a pickup truck. The motorcyclist, identified as a 40-year-old man from Muskegon, was traveling along M-37 when the collision occurred. The pickup truck, driven by a 35-year-old man from Grand Rapids, was turning onto 22 Mile Road from M-37 at the time of the impact.
Emergency responders were called to the scene shortly after the crash. Despite efforts to provide aid, authorities confirmed that the motorcyclist had passed away before he could be transported for further medical care. No other injuries were reported among the people involved.
Michigan State Police investigators are working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision. Preliminary findings suggest that neither alcohol nor drugs appear to have played a role in the incident. Officials are awaiting additional information from the medical examiner’s office and results from a full crash reconstruction to clarify what caused the tragic event.
F/Lt. Mike Shaw of the Michigan State Police said that investigators are carefully examining all contributing factors, including road conditions, visibility, vehicle positioning, and possible speed at the time of the collision. “The investigation into this crash is ongoing,” Shaw stated, emphasizing that the findings will depend on medical and technical reports expected in the coming days.
The crash caused a temporary disruption in traffic along M-37, a major route that runs through Newaygo County and connects several rural communities. Local authorities worked to reroute vehicles while state police investigators examined the scene and collected evidence. The roadway was reopened to normal traffic flow after several hours once officials completed their on-site investigation.
Residents in the area expressed their condolences for the victim’s family, describing the intersection near 22 Mile Road as one that has seen several close calls in the past due to limited visibility. Local drivers have called for improvements such as clearer signage or additional lighting to enhance safety along that stretch of highway.
Motorcycle safety advocates in Michigan also used the opportunity to remind both drivers and motorcyclists about the importance of staying alert and sharing the road responsibly. They emphasized that intersections can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists, as they are often less visible to other drivers compared to larger vehicles.
Michigan State Police have not yet released the name of the victim pending notification of family members. Officials said their thoughts are with the man’s loved ones as they deal with the sudden loss. They also expressed appreciation for the cooperation of motorists and residents who helped provide information to assist the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or noticed any unusual driving behavior before the incident to contact the Michigan State Police Newaygo Post. Eyewitness accounts, they said, can be invaluable in reconstructing how the events unfolded.
The investigation remains open, and further updates are expected once the Michigan State Police and the Newaygo County Medical Examiner’s Office finalize their reports.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks that can arise on highways and intersections, particularly for those on motorcycles. Police officials urged motorists to take extra caution, watch for smaller vehicles, and ensure that turns and lane changes are made only when it is fully safe to do so.
As the community mourns the loss of the 40-year-old Muskegon man, authorities continue their efforts to piece together a full picture of what happened, hoping that the findings may help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
