Dowagiac resident Landen Taggart, 17, died Wednesday after a large tree limb struck his vehicle, causing it to leave the roadway and strike another tree, authorities reported.
Cass County Sheriff Richard J. Behnke said his office investigated a single vehicle fatal crash at Peavine Street and California Road in Pokagon Township. Estimated time of the crash was about 4:30 p.m., just as thunderstorms rolled through the area.
Emergency Personnel reportedly found the vehicle crashed into a tree just west of the intersection. The driver was dead when they arrived. According to the report, Taggart was traveling westbound on Peavine Street when a large tree limb fell on the vehicle. This limb damaged the cab of the vehicle, spinning the limb in the roadway, while the vehicle continued westbound and struck another tree.
A seatbelt was used in the crash. Alcohol and narcotics are not suspected. The crash remains under investigation.
Cass County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Pokagon Tribal Police, Michigan State Police, Indian Lake Fire Department and Pride Care Ambulance.
