Shelby Twp. Man Dies After Rochester Hills Crash: Sheriff

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — A Shelby Township man died after a crash in Rochester Hills last Thursday, according to sheriff's officials.

The crash happened at 6:16 p.m. Thursday on West Hamlin Road, west of Crooks Road in Rochester Hills, officials said.

The 40-year-old Shelby Township man was driving a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee on West Hamlin Road as he approached the center turn lane near Crooks Road, according to officials.

Officials said the man failed to navigate around a stopped 2025 Ram 1500 and smashed into the pickup truck, which was being driven by a 43-year-old Commerce Township man.

Both drivers suffered minor injuries in the crash, with the Ram driver being treated at the scene.

The driver of the Jeep was conscious and communicating with first responders after the crash, before he was taken to Trinity Health Oakland Hospital for further evaluation and treatment, officials said.

Investigators said the Ram driver was wearing a seatbelt, but were unsure about the Jeep driver.

Investigators believe the driver of the Jeep may have been drunk and they took a blood sample for further analysis.

The Jeep driver died the next day at the hospital, officials said.

An autopsy showed the man's death was not directly caused by his injuries from the crash, but did show alcohol was a contributing factor, officials said.

Officials did not release any other details, as they are still investigating the incident.