Gratiot Co., MI - Fatal Crash at W Cleveland Rd & S Ely Hwy

Gratiot Co., MI (April 6, 2025) – A deadly crash occurred on Thursday, April 3, in Gratiot County, claiming the life of a 60-year-old man from Ashley. The crash took place around 4:15 p.m. at the intersection of West Cleveland Road (Michigan 57) and South Ely Highway.

According to the Gratiot County Sheriff’s Office, emergency personnel responded quickly to the scene, where two vehicles had collided. Authorities confirmed that one of the drivers was pronounced dead following the incident. The other driver, a 21-year-old man, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The crash prompted a full closure of the roadway for approximately three hours as investigators worked the scene and cleared debris. Authorities continue to look into the circumstances surrounding the collision and have not yet released any further findings or citations.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim and hope for a full recovery for the injured individual.

Car Accidents in Michigan

Each year in Michigan, thousands of people are hurt or killed in traffic crashes across rural roads, highways, and intersections. According to state data, Michigan saw more than 1,100 traffic fatalities last year, many occurring at or near intersections similar to Michigan 57 and South Ely Highway. These accidents are a serious public safety concern and often lead to long-term consequences for those involved.

When fatal collisions occur, it’s important for families to understand their legal rights. Below are several key points about wrongful death claims in Michigan:

• What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death?: A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the careless or reckless actions of another person or entity. These claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for loss of life, emotional pain, funeral expenses, and lost income the victim would have provided.
• Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?: In Michigan, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate files the claim on behalf of the surviving family members. This typically includes spouses, children, parents, or siblings, depending on the situation.
• What Damages Are Recoverable?: Families may be able to recover damages for medical bills, burial and funeral costs, pain and suffering experienced by the deceased, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. These damages are meant to ease the financial and emotional burden of the sudden loss.
• How Long Do You Have to File?: Michigan law generally allows families three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, acting quickly is essential to preserve evidence and build a strong case.
• Proving Fault: Establishing liability involves collecting police reports, witness statements, medical records, and sometimes working with accident reconstruction experts. An attorney can assist with these efforts and ensure all legal standards are met.

If your loved one was killed in a crash, contact a Gratiot County wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. These cases require swift and careful action, and an experienced legal team can guide your family through the process with care and commitment. Our legal staff Christopher Trainor & Associates is here to help you cope with your tragic loss by pursuing justice and fair compensation.

At Christopher Trainor & Associates, we understand how overwhelming it can be to lose someone unexpectedly. Our team has spent decades standing beside Michigan families in the wake of tragic crashes. With more than $250 million in verdicts and settlements, we fight tirelessly to ensure victims and their loved ones are treated with dignity and respect. If you’re searching for a personal injury law firm in Gratiot County that genuinely cares, we’re here for you. Call us at (248) 886-8650 to set up a free consultation. Let us help you move forward.

Note: Our firm utilized outside sources when creating this post. We have not independently verified the facts regarding this accident. If you find information that is incorrect, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates immediately so that we correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available about the accident. This post can be removed upon request.  

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. The photograph used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. This post is not a solicitation for business.