Allegan County was the scene of two vehicle/pedestrian incidents this morning, one reported at 5:50 a.m.; the other at 7:35 a.m. In the first, a driver reported to central dispatch that she was unable to avoid striking a man walking in the roadway at 109th Avenue and 55th Street in Lee Township.
Arriving deputies found the man being tended by first responders. He was unresponsive and had severe injuries. Aero Med transported him to Bronson Hospital where he was listed in critical condition.
The family of the victim, who came to the scene, said he had left the residence while everyone was asleep and was only discovered gone when they awoke for the day. The man, 34, was described by the family as learning impaired and was known to leave the residence at various times for walks.
The driver in the crash, a 20-year-old woman, said she was westbound when she saw the man in the roadway; she tried to stop but was unable to avoid striking the man who was wearing dark clothing. The crash is still under investigation by the sheriff’s office; however neither speed nor alcohol appear to be factors. Deputies were assisted by Lee Township Fire Department and Fennville AMR.
The later crash, at 126th and west of 7th Street in Wayland Township, involved a woman apparently on a walk or jog, who was struck by a pickup truck. The initial report said a woman was lying in the middle of the road. However, when Yankee Springs Fire Department and Wayland Fire Rescue personnel arrived at the scene, she was being treated on the shoulder of the road by Wayland EMS and was conscious and talking.
She was transported to Metro Health Hospital where she is being treated for what officials believe are non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the pickup was not injured. Michigan State Police, Allegan County Sheriff’s Office and Gun Lake Tribe Police also responded to the crash.
