A 36-year-old man was struck and killed by multiple vehicles yesterday on northbound I-75 in Troy, turning a busy stretch near Big Beaver Road into a fatal crash scene that shut down traffic for hours. His parents told police he had run from their car in emotional distress near the Civic Center complex, and a 911 caller later reported seeing someone walking along the highway shoulder. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene, and investigators kept the northbound lanes closed for roughly four hours while they documented the crash.
Troy police said the first call came in around 11:20 p.m. about a person walking along the shoulder of northbound I-75 near Big Beaver Road, according to ClickOnDetroit. As officers were trying to track down that pedestrian, the driver of a black Audi called 911 to report hitting something in the middle lane near Wattles Road, the outlet reported. When officers arrived, they learned the same man had first been hit by the Audi and then by additional vehicles.
An officer later identified the victim as the 36-year-old man whose parents had just reported him missing, according to The Detroit News. The couple, visiting from out of state, told officers their son had been in emotional distress before he bolted from their vehicle. Police have not released his name.
The driver and passenger in the Audi were taken to a local hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, and investigators said they do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role, Patch reported. Northbound I-75 remained closed for about four hours as crews cleared debris and investigators photographed and collected evidence. Troy police are asking anyone who may have information or video from the area to call the department at 248-524-3477.
Investigation and crisis resources
Troy police say the investigation into the crash is ongoing, with department units processing evidence from the scene, according to ClickOnDetroit. Officials also reminded the public that help is available for anyone experiencing emotional distress: people can call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line, per SAMHSA and Crisis Text Line. Investigators continue to ask witnesses with dash-cam or cellphone video to contact Troy police so they can better piece together what happened on the freeway.
