Grand Rapids, MI - One Dead, Three Injured in Crash on US-131 Near 6th St

Grand Rapids, MI (May 29, 2025) – A tragic multi-vehicle accident took place early Wednesday morning, May 28, on US-131 in Grand Rapids, resulting in one fatality and several serious injuries. The crash occurred in the northbound lanes over 6th Street, just beyond the I-196 interchange, shortly before 6:00 a.m.

According to Michigan State Police, a pickup truck became disabled in the center lane of the highway. A van traveling northbound struck the disabled pickup and was then hit by a semi-truck. The impact from the second collision caused both the driver of the van and one passenger to be ejected from the vehicle.

The 35-year-old van driver died at the scene. Three passengers from the van sustained serious injuries—one of whom was ejected—and were transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment. The driver of the pickup was not inside the vehicle at the time of the crash and was uninjured. The semi-truck driver also did not suffer injuries.

Traffic in the area was severely impacted as authorities worked to clear the wreckage and reconstruct the scene. The incident remains under investigation.

Our thoughts are with the families affected by this crash. We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the person who died and wish those injured a full recovery.

Car Accidents in Michigan

In Michigan, fatal and serious injury crashes remain an ongoing concern. In 2022, state crash data showed more than 1,100 deaths and over 50,000 injuries from motor vehicle accidents. Multi-vehicle collisions involving semi-trucks, like the one on US-131, are especially dangerous due to the size and force of commercial vehicles.

When serious injuries or fatalities occur, it’s important to understand what families may be dealing with in the aftermath. Here are a few important legal and emotional aspects to consider:

• Wrongful Death Claims: Surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This can provide compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering. These claims often require detailed documentation and legal support to succeed.
• Long-Term Medical Care: Victims who survive serious crashes may face extended recovery periods, multiple surgeries, or permanent disabilities. These outcomes come with enormous financial burdens, including hospital bills, in-home care, and rehabilitation.
• Loss of Consortium: Families of seriously injured victims can also pursue compensation for loss of companionship or support. This type of claim acknowledges the emotional and relational damage caused by an accident.
• Insurance Challenges: When multiple vehicles and insurance companies are involved, securing a fair settlement becomes difficult. Insurance adjusters may dispute responsibility or offer insufficient compensation.
• Accident Reconstruction: In fatal crashes, detailed investigations are often required. Legal teams may work with accident reconstruction experts to determine fault and build a compensation case.

If you or a loved one was affected by a crash of this nature, it is essential to contact a wrongful death attorney right away. Legal help can make a meaningful difference when you're facing loss, trauma, and insurance disputes. The sooner you reach out, the sooner a legal team can begin collecting evidence and advocating on your behalf.

At Christopher Trainor & Associates, we represent families and victims facing life-altering accidents across Michigan. We’ve secured more than $250 million in compensation for those we’ve served. Whether you're grieving a loss or managing recovery from a serious crash, we’ll walk beside you and fight for what matters. If you need the best auto injury attorney in Grand Rapids, call us today at (248) 886-8650 for a free consultation. You deserve compassion, commitment, and results—and we’re here to provide them.

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.