Lee Township man faces trial in fatal crash

The Midland County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that left a 19-year-old Lee Township man dead.

The accident occurred at 1 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, near the intersection of West Chippewa River Road and South Magruder Road in Greendale Township.

Preliminary investigation indicates Ashtin Richardson, 19, of Lee Township, was driving a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado westbound on West Chippewa River Road, east of South Magruder Road. Officers said it appears Richardson failed to negotiate a curve in the road.

The truck left the road and struck a utility pole and trees. Richardson's passenger, a 19-year-old Lee Township man, was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. Richardson suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene by EMS. The sheriff's office has not yet released the name of the man killed in the crash.

Preliminary evidence suggests alcohol and speed were factors in this accident. Richardson was arrested at the scene for operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol causing death. He will be arraigned in Midland County District Court on Monday, August 26 at 2:30 p.m.

A final report will be sent to the Midland County District Attorney's Office for review, pending toxicology reports.

Midland County Sheriff's Office personnel were assisted on scene by the Michigan State Police Accident Investigation Team, Lee Township Fire Department, and MyMichigan EMS.