South Bend man dies after vehicle strikes tree, catches fire in Constantine Township
A 74-year-old South Bend man died Tuesday after the vehicle he was riding in left the roadway and struck a tree in Constantine Township.
A 74-year-old South Bend man died Tuesday after the vehicle he was riding in left the roadway and struck a tree in Constantine Township.
Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to the area of North River Road and Quaker Road just after 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15 for a report of a single vehicle crash. Upon arrival authorities located the vehicle, which was engulfed in flames, and successfully removed a 74-year-old man trapped inside. Deputies and assisting personnel attempted lifesaving measures but the man succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Initial investigation into the incident determined that the vehicle was traveling eastbound on North River Road when it left the roadway and crashed into a tree, before catching fire. The identities of the victim and the vehicle’s driver are not being released at this time pending further investigation and notification of family.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Constantine Police Department, White Pigeon Police Department, Constantine Fire Department, LifeCare Ambulance, Sturgis Towing, WMU Med, and Eley Funeral Home.
Alek Haak-Frost is executive editor and publisher of Watershed Voice.
Author
Related Articles
Hyperscale Data announces planned land acquisition; Dowagiac officials say they were not informed
The announcement prompted questions locally, particularly in Dowagiac, where the company already operates a data center. City officials first responded Tuesday morning, saying they were not informed of the planned purchase and have not received any development proposals tied to it.
On Wednesday, April 1, Watershed Voice spoke with Dowagiac City Manager Kevin Anderson, who said the city has no additional information about the property.
“We don’t have any documentation identifying what property this is,” Anderson said. “We’re in the same position as the public.”
TRPD confirms continued use of Flock surveillance technology, says city added seventh camera in 2025
In an exclusive interview with Watershed Voice, Three Rivers Chief of Police Scott Boling and Detective Sgt. Steven Dibble said the cameras provide an additional investigative tool to help identify vehicles connected to crimes.
Flock Safety’s license plate reader system has drawn national criticism from civil liberties groups, particularly the American Civil Liberties Union, which argues the technology enables a form of mass surveillance that extends beyond its original purpose.
Boling said there is no “backdoor access” to the system, including for federal agencies such as ICE, and that any data sharing must be approved by the department.
Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative to host “Women in Media” event in Kalamazoo
The Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative (SWMJC) will host “Women in Media: Behind the Headlines” on April 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Epic Center in downtown Kalamazoo.
The free event, which is open to the public, will feature a panel of local women working in journalism and media. Space is limited, and RSVPs are recommended.
