One dead, Ottawa County deputy hospitalized after 3-vehicle crash in Olive Township

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was updated at 10 p.m.

OLIVE TWP. — A two-vehicle chain reaction triggered a fatal three-car collision involving an Ottawa County Sheriff's patrol vehicle Thursday afternoon, leaving one driver dead and a deputy hospitalized.

The crash occurred around 2:55 p.m. on Oct. 8 along 96th Avenue, north of Tyler Street in Olive Township.

According to preliminary investigation details, an Ottawa County deputy was driving southbound on 96th Avenue with lights and sirens activated while responding to a separate personal injury crash.

At the same time, a northbound Honda pickup truck struck another northbound vehicle: a Chevrolet Equinox.

The initial impact forced the Honda across the centerline directly into the path of the oncoming patrol vehicle, resulting in a head-on collision.

First responders — including sheriff’s deputies, fire personnel, and paramedics — rendered immediate emergency medical aid to the driver of the Honda. However, the driver died from their injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the Chevrolet Equinox was uninjured in the incident.

The deputy operating the patrol vehicle suffered injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where they are currently listed in stable condition.

The identity of the deceased driver is being withheld pending family notification.

In accordance with departmental standards for serious incidents involving agency vehicles, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office has turned the primary investigation over to the Michigan State Police.

Emergency crews remained at the scene for several hours Thursday, managing traffic and processing evidence.

— Submitted by the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.