A 21-year-old Constantine man died Tuesday in a single-vehicle crash on Centreville-Constantine Road between Roys and Sevison Roads, according to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies determined the man was traveling southwest on Centerville-Constantine Road when he crossed the centerline and drifted off the roadway to the left, striking multiple trees before coming to a stop. Upon arrival, first responders located the vehicle and discovered the driver was trapped and unresponsive. Fire department personnel extricated the driver, and attempted lifesaving measures but their efforts were unsuccessful, and the 21-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

A one-year-old child was also in the vehicle at the time of the crash but was unharmed, according to authorities, as they were properly secured in the backseat. The infant was transported to a local hospital as a safety measure. 

While the investigation of the crash is ongoing, the sheriff’s department believes speed was a factor, and confirmed the driver was not wearing a seatbelt.

Deputies were assisted by Michigan State Police, Constantine Fire Department, LifeCare Ambulance, St. Joseph County Victims Services, and Western Michigan University Medical Examiner’s Office.

Alek Haak-Frost is executive editor and publisher of Watershed Voice.