Shiawassee County Deputies Investigate Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash on I-69 in Perry Township

On January 30, 2024, at approximately 12:45 a.m., Michigan State Police, in coordination with the Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a deadly collision on westbound Interstate 69 near Morrice Road in Perry Township, Shiawassee County

📍 Location

• Perry Township is a civil township in Shiawassee County, Michigan, established in 1841. It completely surrounds the city of Perry, which is independently administered, and had a population of about 4,141 in 2020 .

• The crash occurred on the rural stretch of I‑69 near Morrice Road, in the township’s jurisdiction.

🧍‍♀️ Victim Profile & Fatality

• The collision involved a 64-year-old woman whose vehicle struck a tractor-trailer.

• She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported among the occupants of either vehicle

🔧 Crash Mechanics & Response

• Details shared by Michigan State Police suggest a head-on or side impact with the semi, though specific dynamics (e.g. left lane crossing, sudden lane shift) were not fully disclosed.

• The roadway was closed for several hours to permit investigation and cleanup operations

🕵️ Investigation Status

• The Michigan State Police Accident Reconstruction Team, along with the Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Office, is leading the investigation.

• As of the latest available updates, investigators continue to gather evidence to determine vehicle speeds, driver actions, road conditions, and potential contributing factors such as fatigue, impairment, or mechanical failure

📌 Broader Context & Road Safety in Shiawassee County

• Traffic incidents involving serious injury and death are unfortunately not uncommon in this region. Previous fatal crashes in Shiawassee County include:

  • A rollover crash in Durand that killed a 23‑year-old woman in March 2024 .

  • A two-vehicle crash near Carland Road and M‑21 that claimed a 6‑year-old girl in April 2025

  • A single-vehicle roadway exit and rollover near Grand River Road and Pittsburg Road near Perry, resulting in the death of a 20‑year-old woman in icy conditions

These incidents highlight how factors such as road conditions, driver behavior, and vehicle types (especially heavy trucks) critically impact road safety.

🔍 Investigation Focus Areas

• Reconstruction & Forensic Examination

Officials will reconstruct the crash scene to determine point of impact, driving trajectories, and point of deviation.

• Vehicle Conditions

Reporters are reviewing vehicle maintenance logs, brake functionality, and lights operation to assess any mechanical failures.

• Environmental & Roadway Factors

Investigators will analyze weather and road surface data (e.g. ice, visibility) around the time of the crash.

• Human Elements

While no suspicion of impairment has been confirmed, authorities will interview witnesses and review any surveillance or dashcam footage.

🧭 What Happens Next

• If compelling evidence emerges—such as signs of driver negligence, intoxication, or mechanical defects—legal charges and liability may follow.

• The investigation aims to yield a comprehensive final report with findings that could inform safety recommendations for local agencies and travelers along I‑69 and surrounding rural roads.

✳️ Summary Table

Final Thoughts

This tragic collision underscores the critical risks on rural interstate highways when vehicle interactions, early-morning conditions, and truck traffic converge. Shiawassee County deputies and MSP remain committed to an in-depth, transparent investigation. Their findings may help prevent future tragedies by shaping policy, informing driver awareness, and improving road infrastructure or signage in Perry Township and beyond.

If you’d like updates when the final investigative report becomes available—or information about local safety improvements—let me know.