Man, 78, dies after truck he was trying to fix runs him over.

Man, 78, dies after truck he was trying to fix runs him over.

#LakeCountyNews #Baldwin

BALDWIN, (Lake County) — A 78-year-old Baldwin man died Monday, Dec. 5, after his pickup truck ran over him while he was working on it alongside M 37 Highway, according to the Hart post of the Michigan State Police.

James Francis Merbs was transported to Spectrum Health in Reed City, where he later died from his injuries, according to an MSP press release.

“The incident is still under investigation, but as of this time it is believed to be a sad accident involving only Mr. Merbs,” the press release states.

Preliminary investigation indicates that Merbs was standing outside his truck on southbound M 37, just south of Denmark Road. Witnesses told police the hood of his pickup truck was up, and it appeared Merbs was having vehicle trouble. “The unoccupied truck then rolled forward and over Mr. Merbs, causing serious injuries.”

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Department of Natural Resources, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Baldwin Fire and Rescue and Life EMS. Medical staff from the nearby Baldwin Family Health Center responded and provided first aid.