Beloved MI Elementary School Principal Killed In Head-On Crash: Police

SHIAWASSEE COUNTY, MI — Two people, including a Michigan elementary school principal, were killed in a Saturday crash in Shiawassee County, according to police.

The crash happened at 6:30 p.m. Saturday on Durand Road near Lennon Road in Venice Township, according to police.

A 56-year-old Byron woman was driving a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado pickup south on Durand Road when she collided head-on with a 2020 GMC Sierra that was moving north near Lennon Road, according to police.

The pickup truck driver and the Sierra driver, a 37-year-old Flint man, were both severely injured in the crash, according to police.

Both were taken to a nearby hospital where they died, according to police.

Officials identified the 37-year-old man as Robert Cawson, who was a principal at Bertha Neal Elementary in the Durand Area School District.

"He dedicated seven years to the Durand Area Schools Community and all who were fortunate to know him found a true friend, devoted colleague, and a leader with a heart for kids. Please keep Mr. Cawson’s family and our Durand family in your thoughts and prayers. He will be forever missed by staff, students, family and the community as a whole," school officials said in a statement.

Michigan State Police were still investigating the crash and asked anyone with information to call the Flint Post at 810-732-1111.