Fremont teen dies in Sherman Township crash
A 15-year-old Fremont High School student died and another person was hospitalized after a two-car crash Friday night.
Deputies with the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office responded about 9:05 p.m. Oct. 30 to the intersection of West 24th Street and Luce Avenue in Sherman Township.
The sheriff’s office preliminary investigation indicated that a 49-year-old Fremont man failed to stop at the intersection and hit an eastbound vehicle on West 24th Street.
The teen was a passenger in the eastbound vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Its driver was taken to Gerber Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Fremont High School Principal Zach Lienau notified families Sunday that the teen attended the school.
“There are simply no words to adequately express the heartbreak and pain that many of our students, staff and families are experiencing,” Lienau said.
Grief counselors, school psychologists and local clergy were expected to be available at the high school to support students and staff.
The crash remains under investigation.
Wrongful death claims after a fatal Michigan car crash
Michigan’s wrongful death law allows a claim when another person’s wrongful act or negligence causes a death. Under MCL 600.2922, the lawsuit must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate.
Parents and siblings may qualify for damages if they suffered a compensable loss like funeral and burial expenses and loss of society and companionship, meaning the lost relationship with the person who died. The court oversees distribution based on the losses proved; relatives don’t automatically receive equal shares.
Estate authority and filing deadlines need to be considered together. Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of Michigan wrongful death deadlines discusses how the underlying claim and appointment of a personal representative affect the steps needed to bring a lawsuit.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles car accident, serious injury and wrongful death claims.
For questions about a fatal crash or a possible wrongful death claim, contact Michigan Legal Center.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.