Names of crash victims released; other driver arrested.

Names of crash victims released; other driver arrested.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

WALHALLA (Branch Township) — The Mason County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of the victims involved in Monday’s triple-fatality crash on US 10. The two-vehicle crash took place about 1:40 p.m. on US 10 between Walhalla and Wever roads, in front of the Branch Township Fire Department. 

Killed in the crash were David Lee Mclain-Williams, 24, his girlfriend Ashley Nicole Plotts, 22, both of Scottville, along with their unborn baby son, David, Jr. Plotts was 8-months-pregnant. 

Mason County Sheriff’s Office investigators have determined that Mclain-Williams was the driver of a 2005 Buick Terraza, which was struck by a 2010 Jeep Patriot, driven by a 27-year-old Manton man. The Manton man was initially treated for his non-life-threatening injuries at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital and then arrested on charges related to the crash. 

Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole stated that speed and alcohol were likely factors in the crash. Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Lauren Kreinbrink has informed the Press that she expects to announce formal charges later today. The Manton man’s name is not being released until he is formally arraigned. 

According to Sheriff Cole, McLain-Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. Passersby and first responders performed CPR on Plotts on the scene. She was then transported to Ludington hospital where she and the baby were pronounced dead. 

The driver of the Jeep initially fled the scene on foot. A Mason County Sheriff’s Office deputy and a Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer tracked the suspect driver for approximately 1/2 mile before locating him with the assistance of citizens in the area.

US 10 was closed from 1:45 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. as crash investigators collected evidence. Names have been withheld pending notification of family.

Emergency units responding included Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Michigan Department of Natural Resources law enforcement, Branch Township Fire Department, Custer Fire Department, Scottville Fire Department, and Life EMS. Personnel from Mason County Road Commission and Mason County Victims’ Services also assisted.

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