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Driver Involved In Deadly Chain Reaction Crash May Have Had Seizure

Posted at 10:29 PM, May 01, 2014
and last updated 2014-05-02 11:00:45-04

SCHOOLCRAFT, Mich. (May 1, 2014) –The driver involved in a deadly chain reaction crash earlier this week may have had a seizure, according to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department.

The crash happened Tuesday morning at the intersection of Lyons Street and U.S. 131. Investigators said several cars were stopped at the light when the driver of a PT Cruiser came smashing into the back of the line. One of the other drivers, Richard Simmons, 58, of Comstock, was killed.

Although the investigation may take a couple of weeks before any determination is made on whether the driver of the PT Cruiser was having a medical emergency at the time of the crash, Schoolcraft Police Chief Bryan Campbell said it’s still a busy intersection.  Last year there were 11 crashes at the intersection, three since January 2014, he said.

One of the problems may stem from the number of speed reductions drivers face when coming off the highway, Chief Campbell said. “They have to go from 70, then they go from 55 a couple miles out of the village, and then it’s down to 45, then its down to 35. So I think that does play a part in it.”

Campbell said the department does monitor the area and has handed out several citations for people who don’t obey the speed limit, but ultimately it’s up to drivers to be aware of their surroundings.

“It’s really a matter of drivers just taking more care and caution,” Campbell said.