DETROIT (WWJ) - It was a deadly start to the holiday weekend travel as state police continue to investigate a violent single-vehicle crash that left one man dead under an I-94 overpass in Detroit on Friday evening.
Michigan State Police said troopers were called out to the scene where one car that appeared "completely smashed" was reported on eastbound I-94 at Tarnow Street around 6 p.m. on May 26th.
Troopers arrived to the area and found a heavily damaged, white vehicle tucked up under the overpass. Its front end was smashed in, the windshield and most of the windows blown out and the roof practically detached and crumpled.
Nearby, the body of a 23-year-old Detroit man was discovered laying in the right lane next to the crash site. Troopers determined the man had been ejected in the crash and did not survive his injuries.
The 23-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
“We had hoped to have a holiday weekend where no one died on our roads in the district.” stated First Lt. Mike Shaw. “We didn’t even make it an hour, when we are having to notify a family of the loss of a loved one."
State police added that the man was the registered owner of the vehicle that was found under the overpass. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
The deceased's identity was not released pending further investigation into the incident and notification of his family.
Shaw urged all drivers exercise caution and travel safe, not just over the holiday weekend, but at all times.
"Please slow down and wear your seat belt," he advised. "Your life depends on it.”