Tragedy on U.S. 23: Clinton Township Man Killed in Commercial Truck Rollover in Green Oak Township
GREEN OAK TOWNSHIP, MI — A tragic accident early Wednesday morning claimed the life of a 35-year-old man from Clinton Township when the commercial truck he was operating overturned on southbound U.S. 23, just south of Lee Road, within an active construction zone.
The crash occurred around 6:38 a.m., prompting a swift response from Green Oak Township Police and local emergency services. Upon arrival at the scene, first responders found the driver trapped inside the overturned vehicle. Despite rapid efforts to extricate him and administer lifesaving medical care, the driver was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
According to initial reports, the commercial vehicle was a line painting truck, although officials confirmed it was not in operation for roadway marking at the time of the incident. The truck had been navigating a shift in traffic lanes due to ongoing construction, a factor investigators believe may have contributed to the crash.
Authorities say preliminary findings suggest the driver lost control in the area where traffic patterns shift, a location known to be complex and potentially disorienting even under normal conditions. The truck rolled over within the work zone, though no construction workers or other vehicles were involved, according to early assessments.
The Livingston County Major Crash Team has taken the lead on the investigation and is working diligently to determine the exact cause of the rollover. Investigators will be analyzing various factors, including road conditions, vehicle mechanics, and possible driver-related issues, to build a comprehensive picture of what happened.
The identity of the victim has not been publicly released pending official notification of his family. Officials described the victim as a dedicated worker and noted that his tragic death has left colleagues and loved ones mourning the loss of a life taken far too soon.
In a public statement, the Green Oak Township Police Department extended their condolences:
“Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and co-workers of the deceased. We understand the impact a loss like this can have on a tight-knit community and workplace. We urge all motorists to drive with heightened caution in construction zones, especially in areas with lane shifts or altered traffic flow.”
Wednesday’s accident also reignites concern over safety in Michigan’s many active construction zones, particularly those on major highways like U.S. 23, where traffic volume is high and lanes are frequently altered. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has not yet commented on whether additional signage, barriers, or traffic control measures will be reviewed in light of this fatal incident.
The crash prompted lane closures and heavy delays during the morning commute as investigators worked on-site and crews cleared the wreckage.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office or Green Oak Township Police as the investigation continues.
This tragic loss underscores the constant risks faced by drivers and road crews alike. The community mourns the passing of a hardworking individual whose life ended abruptly and far too early on a familiar stretch of road.