A rogue or renegade truck tire near an interstate highway maintenance site early today has claimed the life of Benton Township Supervisor Kevin White, who was a member of the maintenance crew when he was hit by the flying projectile from a semi on the highway.
Authorities say that White was killed on the job along I-94 around 7:15am today when a wheel from a semi truck car hauler either blew out lost two of its tires, one of which careened into him near the 33 mile marker. He was take to Spectrum Health Lakeland where he died this morning from those injuries.
MDOT spokesman Nick Schirripa confirmed that the 48-year old White, an MDOT Transportation Maintenance Worker died this morning after being struck while working along I-94, but referred all other requests for information to police.
Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey’s department handled the scene.
The crash remains under investigation at this time. Bailey says, “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends Kevin.”
The semi was a 2007 Mack Truck owned by SLT Logistics out of Alto, Michigan. The driver was a 29 year old male out of Wyoming, Michigan. The driver remained on scene is cooperating with the investigation. Alcohol, drugs and speed do not appear to be a contributing factors in this tragic incident.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. A copy of this report will be forwarding to the Berrien County Prosecutors Office for review once completed.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on the scene by the Benton Charter Township Police Department, Michigan State Police, MSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), BC Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit, and Medic One Ambulance.
Reacting to the news, Michigan Department of Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba says, “MDOT is grieving the loss of one of our own today,” and adds, “Like everyone building and maintaining our roads, Kevin performed vital work for the public good. Our hearts go out to his loved ones and co-workers.”
