Michigan State Police (MSP) Wayland Post troopers are investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred on February 22, 2024, at approximately 7:55pm on US-131 Hwy north of Wayland, in Leighton Twp.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of a white Buick Lacross was travelling northbound on US-131 when the vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian on the freeway. The deceased pedestrian, a 72-year-old Grand Rapids female, had pulled her vehicle over onto the shoulder of the freeway with a flat tire. The woman exited her car and was struck and killed.  Police say she was in the lane of travel when struck.

The driver of the vehicle, a 44-year-old Kalamazoo man, was wearing his seatbelt. It is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in this crash.

Troopers were assisted by the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department, Wayland Police Department, Wayland and Dorr Township fire departments and Wayland Area EMS.

The incident remains under further investigation.