Yesterday, a ride on state Highway M-43 ended in tragedy when a motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a truck near Paw Paw in Van Buren County, according to law enforcement. The two-lane highway was shut down for several hours as emergency crews worked the scene and investigators got to work. Authorities have not yet released the rider's name or any additional information about the truck driver.
Crash Details From Initial Report
According to MLive, the crash happened near County Road 665 in Waverly Township when the motorcycle and a truck collided. Deputies closed M-43 in both directions from about 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. while they handled the emergency response and began their reconstruction of the collision. Van Buren County sheriff's deputies are leading the investigation, the outlet reports.
Investigation and How To Help
The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office has not released identifying information about the rider and is asking anyone who saw the crash or has video of the incident to come forward. The sheriff's office posts news and contact details on its website. Tips can be shared by calling (269) 657-2006 or by visiting the agency's online news page at the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office.
M-43 Safety Work Planned
State transportation planning documents show that the M-43 corridor in Van Buren County is already on the radar for safety upgrades. The route is included in a traffic-safety package scheduled for 2026 that will fund higher-visibility pavement markings and related improvements. MDOT's FY 2023–2026 STIP lists a Van Buren County traffic-safety project for M-43 and nearby corridors as part of a broader push to cut down on severe crashes along the highway (MDOT STIP).
Intersection Has Seen Serious Crashes Before
That stretch of M-43, along with its junction at County Road 665, has been the site of previous fatal wrecks that have drawn attention from state troopers and local media. Earlier deadly crashes at the intersection have been covered by local outlets, highlighting why transportation and enforcement officials have flagged the corridor for safety work (ABC57).
Deputies continue to piece together what happened, and the crash remains under active investigation. For more on the incident, see the original reporting by MLive.
