A 51-year-old man is dead following a fatal crash along US-131 Monday afternoon in Park Township.

According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were called to the scene of the crash at approximately 2:13 p.m. Monday, November 8 between Heimbach and Moorepark Road. Initial investigation revealed the man was traveling southbound on US-131 in a Chevrolet Tahoe when the driver lost control and left the roadway to right, which resulted in the vehicle rolling over before striking several trees. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed when attempting to pass or avoid a combine when the driver lost control.

The 51-year-old driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and suffered fatal injuries in the incident. Authorities are awaiting autopsy results but at this time alcohol is not believed to be a factor. The driver’s name is being withheld until family has been notified. 

Alek Haak-Frost is executive editor of Watershed Voice.