Alcohol, speed believed to be factors in crash

One man died and another was injured in a two-vehicle crash in White Pigeon Township on Saturday, March 30, according to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department.

Upon their arrival on Fawn River Road near Mill Pond Road at approximately 2:04 a.m. Saturday, deputies found Clayton Whitcomb, 26, of Sturgis pinned in his vehicle. Whitcomb was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other driver, Dylan Schlabach, 28, of LaGrange, Indiana sustained non-life threatening injuries, and was transported to Parkview LaGrange Hospital for treatment.

An initial investigation into the crash showed that Whitcomb was traveling eastbound on Fawn River Road when he crossed the centerline into the path of Schlabach’s vehicle who was traveling westbound before the two vehicles collided head-on.

Officials say seatbelts were not worn at the time of the crash, and alcohol and speed are believed to be factors. The crash remains under investigation.

The Constantine Police Department, White Pigeon Fire Department, LifeCare Ambulance, Western Michigan University Medical Examiners Office, Farrand Funeral Home, and Bowers Wrecker Service assisted at the scene.