Jackson woman, baby die in Monroe Co. crash with tractor truck

A Jackson woman and a baby died Tuesday in a crash between a tractor truck and a car in Monroe County, officials said.

Authorities identified the woman as Journee Padgett, 19.

Monroe County Sheriff's deputies were called at about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday to a location on South Custer Road east of Lewis Avenue in Raisinville Township for a report of a traffic crash, according to the office.

Deputies arrived and found Padgett dead at the scene. Officials said they also found a little girl in a child's seat in the rear of her vehicle. Medics took the child to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.

According to a preliminary investigation, Padgett was driving a white 2015 Chevrolet Malibu east on South Custer when she crossed the center line and struck a white 2021 Western Star tractor truck pulling tandem trailers head-on in the road's westbound lane.

After impact, both vehicles came to rest in the road's westbound lane, police said.

Investigators said the tractor truck's diver, a 58-year-old Adrian resident, was not injured in the crash. Sheriff's officials also said both drivers were wearing their safety belts during the crash and the infant girl was properly secured in her rear-facing car seat.

Officials said they do not believe alcohol or speed were factors in the crash.

Deputies continue to investigate the crash and anyone with information should call (734) 240-7557 or Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

Since last week, 27 people died on Michigan roadways raising the total to 818 this year, according to MSP.

In addition, 126 more were seriously injured for a statewide total of 4,398 to date. Compared to the same time last year, there are 19 fewer fatalities and 189 fewer serious injuries, the agency said.

Michigan had 1,021 fatal crashes last year, down 3% from 1,053 in 2022, state police reported.

The state had 51,097 injury crashes in 2023, up slightly from 51,066 in 2022, MSP data said.

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@CharlesERamirez