Macomb County, Michigan: A tragic accident late Monday night claimed the life of a 19-year-old roadside mechanic who was working along Interstate 696.
According to authorities, the young mechanic was assisting with repairs on a semi-truck that had pulled over onto the right shoulder of eastbound I-696 near the Mound Road exit ramp. The incident occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m. on March 23.
While performing his duties near the parked vehicle, the teen was struck by an oncoming car. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but he was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
The driver involved in the crash, a 60-year-old woman, remained at the location following the incident and is fully cooperating with law enforcement officials. Preliminary findings indicate that neither alcohol nor drugs are believed to have played a role in the collision.
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the crash. Investigators are continuing to examine factors such as visibility, road conditions, lighting, and traffic patterns at the time of the incident.
The tragic loss has once again highlighted the risks faced by roadside workers who perform essential services along busy highways, often in close proximity to high-speed traffic. Officials remind drivers to remain alert, reduce speed, and move over when approaching vehicles stopped on the shoulder.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full sequence of events.
