Hillsdale County, MI — May 5, 2025, One person was killed in a car accident that occurred at around 7:00 P.M. on Genesee Road.
An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one teen dead during the evening hours of May 5th. According to official reports, a Chevy pickup truck with three teenage occupants was traveling on Genesee Road near Bunn Road when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and struck a tree stump.
When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that an 18-year-old passenger had sustained fatal injuries and they were pronounced deceased. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including what caused the collision, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When a vehicle carrying multiple young occupants loses control and strikes a fixed object like a tree stump—particularly with a fatal outcome—it is essential that the investigation goes beyond assumptions about driver behavior. The May 5th crash on Genesee Road near Bunn Road presents a scenario that demands close scrutiny. To understand what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway and whether the outcome could have been different, investigators must begin by addressing three key questions.
First, was the crash scene thoroughly analyzed to determine the vehicle’s path and any environmental or roadway factors involved? Investigators should assess whether the roadway had any curves, surface irregularities, or visibility issues that could have contributed to the loss of control. Skid marks, gouge marks, and debris fields can help reconstruct the vehicle’s trajectory and whether any evasive maneuvers were attempted. The proximity and location of the tree stump relative to the road also raise questions about roadside safety and clear zone standards in that area.
Second, has any mechanical or electronic system failure been considered? Sudden loss of control can result from brake failure, tire blowout, or issues with steering or suspension—particularly in pickup trucks, which may be more prone to instability under certain conditions. Investigators should also evaluate whether safety systems such as seatbelts and airbags performed correctly, and whether the seating position and restraint status of the passenger who sustained fatal injuries contributed to the severity of the outcome.
Third, has all available electronic data from the vehicle been retrieved and reviewed? The Chevy pickup is likely equipped with an electronic control module (ECM) that can store key data including speed, throttle position, brake usage, and steering input in the seconds before the crash. This information can help determine whether the driver attempted to correct the vehicle’s path and how it responded. Additional evidence—such as dash cam footage or nearby surveillance—can offer further insight into the moments leading up to the crash.
In crashes involving young occupants and serious outcomes, it is essential that the investigation remain focused on facts, not assumptions. These three questions—focused on scene analysis, vehicle performance, and electronic evidence—are fundamental to understanding the true cause of the crash and whether it could have been avoided. Only with that clarity can meaningful conclusions be drawn and appropriate steps taken to prevent similar incidents.
call us 
Email Us 
Text us