Today, on Detroit’s John C. Lodge Freeway, it turned fatal when a woman walking along the southbound lanes was struck and killed in an apparent hit-and-run, authorities said. Troopers responding to the scene found several vehicles pulled over and people gathered around the woman, but Detroit EMS pronounced her dead at the scene. Investigators said the driver or drivers involved did not stay, and the freeway was later reopened after the on-site investigation.
Crash details and investigation
The Detroit Regional Communication Center first fielded calls about a pedestrian walking along the freeway near West Grand Boulevard. A short time later, additional callers reported that the person had been hit by a vehicle.
When troopers arrived, they found multiple vehicles stopped and several people clustered around a woman who was severely injured. She was pronounced dead at the scene. F/Lt. Mike Shaw told reporters that “Troopers are currently using technology that is available in the area to identify the vehicle involved,” and investigators are continuing to work the case, as reported by Metro Detroit News.
When and where it happened
Local television crews reported that the crash happened just after 2:30 a.m. today on the southbound Lodge (M-10) near Clairmount. The driver did not stop. The roadway was shut down for several hours while troopers documented the scene and later reopened to traffic. WDIV's ClickOnDetroit published the timeline and location details based on the Michigan State Police response.
Legal note
Under Michigan law, leaving the scene of a crash that results in serious injury or death is not just bad form, it is a felony. The statute, MCL 257.617, requires drivers to stop, remain at the scene, and report the crash. Penalties increase when a collision results in a death, with the exact consequences depending on whether the driver caused the fatality and other circumstances. The Michigan Legislature outlines the duties and potential penalties tied to leaving the scene of a fatal crash.
How to help
Investigators are asking anyone who saw the crash, drove through the area around that time, or may have dashcam or cellphone video to contact law enforcement. Tips can be directed to the Michigan State Police Metro South Post at (734) 287-5000 or to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. The Metro South Post, which serves Wayne County, is listed by Michigan State Police as the local contact for information and anonymous tips.
