Single-vehicle crash on M-14 leaves Ann Arbor woman dead; investigation ongoing
Washtenaw County authorities are investigating after a 45-year-old Ann Arbor woman was struck and killed on westbound M-14 near Wagner Road late the night of Aug. 2.
Michigan State Police said the incident began after two women, both from Ann Arbor, were drinking together at a restaurant and later got into an argument while in a car. The older woman demanded to leave and opened the vehicle door while it was in motion. After the driver, a 32-year-old woman, pulled the car to the side of the road, the 45-year-old reportedly ran into the westbound lanes and was struck by a Jeep Compass.
The driver of the Jeep, a 45-year-old Ann Arbor man, initially believed he had struck a deer. He was not injured and investigators said he was not impaired. The woman who ran into the roadway died at the scene.
"Panicked," the 32-year-old woman told troopers when they located her, according to investigators.
State police said the younger woman left the scene after checking on her friend and seeing she had died. Troopers located and interviewed her later; they said she acknowledged leaving because she had "panicked" and also told investigators she had been driving under the influence. Authorities submitted a report to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office to review possible charges against the 32-year-old woman. The investigation remains ongoing.
- Date and time: Approximately 11 p.m., Aug. 2
- Location: Westbound M-14 near Wagner Road, Washtenaw County
- Victim: 45-year-old Ann Arbor woman (died at the scene)
- Other occupants: 32-year-old Ann Arbor woman — reported to be driving and later found by police; statement to prosecutors pending
- Driver of striking vehicle: 45-year-old Ann Arbor man driving a Jeep Compass — not injured, not impaired
Local consequences and legal steps
This crash raises several issues for Ann Arbor residents and others who travel M-14, a regional expressway linking Ann Arbor with surrounding communities. Beyond the immediate tragedy, the case involves potential criminal review for leaving the scene and operating under the influence. State police followed established procedure by forwarding their findings to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office, which will decide whether charges are warranted.
Leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving under the influence, if proven, can result in serious criminal penalties under Michigan law. Prosecutors will evaluate witness statements, toxicology and other evidence gathered during the state police investigation before determining whether to file charges.
Timeline
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Evening, prior to 11 p.m. | Two women drinking at a restaurant in Ann Arbor |
| ~11 p.m., Aug. 2 | Argument in car; 45-year-old demands to leave and opens door |
| Shortly after | 45-year-old runs into westbound M-14 and is struck by Jeep Compass |
| After crash | 32-year-old driver leaves scene; later located by state police |
| Following investigation | Report submitted to Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office |
Michigan State Police are leading the probe and have not publicly released the names of the people involved. Officials said the driver of the striking vehicle was not impaired, and the matter of potential charges concerns the 32-year-old woman who was driving the vehicle from which the victim exited.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Michigan State Police. Further updates will depend on the prosecutor’s review and any additional findings in the ongoing investigation.
Reporting note: Details in this article are based on the Michigan State Police account provided to local media; WE NEWS will follow developments as authorities release additional information.
