87-Year-Old Woman Killed in Head-On Collision on M-115 in Clare County

Clare County Sheriff Press Release

On Monday, June 22, 2026, at approximately 11:38 a.m., the Clare County Central Dispatch received reports of a traffic crash on M-115 near Ashard Road in Freeman Township. Initial reports indicated that the crash involved a semi-truck and an SUV in a head-on collision.

Deputies from the Clare County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, along with personnel from the Lincoln Township Fire Department, Surrey Township Fire Department, and Mobile Medical Response Ambulance Service.

The preliminary investigation determined that a black 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by 75-year-old John Peterson of Livonia and occupied by 87-year-old Ina Crawford of Livonia, was traveling southeast on M-115. Investigators found that the Equinox crossed the centerline into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a white in color Kenmore semi-truck driven by a 37-year-old man from Cadillac.

Peterson had to be extricated from the vehicle and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment of severe injuries. Crawford suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured.

Traffic Crash Reconstructionists from the Michigan State Police responded to assist with the investigation. The crash remains under investigation.