Ann Arbor man killed when struck by truck on US-23
An Ann Arbor man was killed on US-23 near North Territorial Road when he was struck by a pickup truck in the northbound lanes of the freeway Monday night, Michigan State Police said.
The driver of a 2001 Chevrolet pickup truck told police the man, identified as Benjamin Yates, 29, stepped off the right shoulder of the highway into the path of his vehicle, police said in a news release.
Yates was lying in the right lane of northbound US-23 when police arrived shortly after the crash was reported at 8:30 p.m. Monday. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Neither alcohol nor speed appeared to be a factor in the crash, police said. However, they offered no other details so far on why Yates was near the highway.
The northbound lanes of the freeway were closed for about three hours while police investigated the incident.
Northfield Township police and fire departments and the Washtenaw County sheriff’s department assisted with the crash investigation.
View Pedestrian crash in a larger map
Comments
Adam Pierson
Sun, Apr 8, 2012 : 11:57 p.m.
I am sorry to hear the news and I offer condolences to Ben's family. He is in our hearts and will remain there forever
Ann English
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 11:28 p.m.
Some years ago, a Jonathan Loop was hit and killed by another man's vehicle at night, probably on I-96. We know that his car had broken down. The man who hit him thought he had hit a deer.
Vette96drvr
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 2:42 a.m.
I am not speculating wether this was an accident or suicide, it does not matter. What matters is there are 2 victims here. The deceased who leaves behind friends and family who will grieve, and the driver who hit him. When we were in high school, a man decided to commit suicide by jumping in front of our car. We swerved and missed him but the 2nd car load of our friends a minute or so behind us were not so lucky. My friend, who did nothing wrong and was cleared in the investigation, carried guilt with him for years for having hit and killed the guy. Having lost his mother that same year to cancer, he knew the pain this mans kids would feel growing up without their dad. He is ok with everything now but will never really forget that night. People need to think of all sides of these tragedies. Anyone who does consider suicide needs to think of how it effects the ones they leave behind!!
jns131
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
For both posters? Depends. Was he of sound mind when he did? Or out of his mind when he did? Was he on meds or out of meds? When it comes to diseases of the mind? There is a lot that goes on up there we as normal and/or sane, I think, rational human would not do. All we can do is hope both families can move on from this senseless tragedy.
Cameron McLain
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 6:48 p.m.
I feel so bad for the driver. theres no reason a person should be crossing a highway. and seems like intentionally walking in front of a vehicle.
Vette96drvr
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 2:35 a.m.
Ranger, "identified as Benjamin Yates, 29, stepped off the right shoulder of the highway into the path of his vehicle". Not saying what happened but the story states he stepped out in front of the vehicle.
ranger007
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:04 p.m.
Where does it say he was crossing the highway or stepping infront of the vehicle?..maybe his car broke down people don't slow down or move over when there is a vehicle broken down. Let the truth come out before you point fingers
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.
What on earth was he doing there?
ranger007
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:04 p.m.
Car broke down maybe?
justcurious
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.
This must be a terrible accident, both for the driver of the pickup and those who knew Mr. Yates. My thoughts go out to both.
oyxclean
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.
So sad.