THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED, 7:25 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20.
CUSTER — A 17-year-old Mason County Eastern High School student died following a two vehicle crash on US 10 and Main Street, in front of the school, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. Emergency personnel were called to the scene at 11:59 a.m.
The school posted a notification on its Facebook page at 2:15 p.m. notifying the public that two MCE students were involved in the crash and stated one of the students had died.
“We have counselors at the school to meet with students and staff. Please support your child today and let us know if your child needs additional help during this difficult time. Please keep the families in your thoughts and prayers.”
Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole confirmed the information and said family members have been notified. He said the two people to respond to assist on the scene were the Mason County Eastern school resource deputy and a Free Soil/Meade Fire Department firefighter, who was a passerby.
The crash involved a Buick sedan, driven by the 17-year-old who died, and a 2010 Dodge Ram pickup truck, driven by a 33-year-old Custer man. Cole said a preliminary investigation by the sherif’s office crash investigation team suggests the Buick was traveling north on Main Street (Custer Road), stopped at the stop sign and then pulled into the path of the eastbound pickup. The pickup struck the victim’s car in the driver’s side. Victims were transported to Corewell Health Ludington Hospital by ambulance, Cole said. The other occupant of the Buick was an 18-year-old man from Custer who is also a student at MCE.
“The deputy immediately recognized one of the drivers as a student at MCE,” Cole said. “The student was the driver of one of the vehicles, and was trapped within the car. The deputy and firefighter attempted life saving measures, however the driver was pronounced deceased at Corewell Hospital in Ludington.
“As a father of young drivers, my heart breaks for the family of the young life lost,” Cole said. “And, as the sheriff, I join our community in mourning for the MCE family.”
“Until such time and the Mason County Eastern Schools feel it is appropriate, I will not be releasing the victim’s name.”
US 10 in Custer was closed from the time of the crash until about 3 p.m.
“At this time neither speed nor alcohol appear to have played any role in the crash,” Cole said.
Emergency units that were assisting included Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Custer Fire Department, Scottville Fire Department, Scottville Police Department, and Life EMS. Also assisting were Mason County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit, Mason County Road Commission and Scottville Department of Public Works.
Cole said the crash remains under investigation and more information will be released on Thursday.
Editor’s Note: It was the intention of this news organization to hold this story until the sheriff’s press release was sent out of sensitivity of the circumstances. In cases such as this, we are in frequent contact with the sheriff who is very good at relaying information. Often times, we have much more information in advance but hold a story, which was the intention in this case. However, once the school posted the information we felt it was best to also run the story as well. Additionally, we chose to run a photograph, but one that was taken from further back. This crash occurred right in front of the school within view of students and other members of the public. Our prayers are with all who were impacted by this tragic incident.
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