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Police: Teen killed after rear-ending semi on U.S. 131

Posted at 5:07 AM, Apr 01, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-01 20:06:07-04

BYRON TWP., Mich. — A teen driver is dead after crashing his SUV into a semi-truck early Saturday morning, according to the Kent County Sheriff's office.

Jeremy Hibma (courtesy)

Deputies say Jeremy Lee Hibma, 19, of Wayland was traveling east on 100th Street when he crashed into the back of the semi-truck stopped at a red light at the intersection of US 131 and 100th Street.

The driver of the semi, a 59-year-old man from Grand Rapids, was not injured in the crash.

Hibma was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash, according to deputies, and it's not yet clear if alcohol or drugs played a role.

Friends described the teen as the "nicest guy" who "was there for everybody."

"He always had a smile on his face and it just got everyone around him smiling," Abbey Molette told FOX 17. "He was a really good kid and he is going to be missed by so many people.”

Traffic on U.S. 131 was not affected by the crash but 100th Street was closed for some time.

The road has since reopened and the crash remains under investigation.