Ypsilanti man killed in Monday afternoon single car crash on US-23
An Ypsilanti man was killed on US-23 just north of Ann Arbor where the southbound highway splits with eastbound M-14 on Monday afternoon, according to Michigan State Police.
The Saturn Vue driven by Stanley Wayne Howell II slowly drifted off the roadway to the right shoulder and struck a cement pillar at the base of traffic sign, witnesses told police.
The car did not strike another vehicle before crashing and a lack of marks on the vehicle was consistent with those accounts.
Howell, 39, was taken to the University of Michigan Emergency Department, where he later died.
Though a toxicology report is not yet complete, police said alcohol and drugs were not believed to be involved. An autopsy revealed no medical emergency, leading police to conclude that Howell fell asleep at the wheel before the crash.
Police said Howell was traveling with the flow of traffic just before the crash.
Howell was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and multiple airbags were deployed at impact.
Contact Pete Cunningham at petercunningham@annarbor.com or by phone at 734-623-2561. Follow him on Twiter @petcunningham.
Comments
katie
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:45 a.m.
This breaks my heart. I shared countless hours working with him. He was always such a sweet man. I loved to make him laugh.. and I loved when he made me too. It's an honor to say that I knew him. I'm sorry to everyone who is left here behind without him, especially his family and daughters. Haven't stopped thinking about him. He always listened to anything I had to say and was always there to help. I will miss you Stan... :(
grimmk
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:10 a.m.
This is just such a tragedy. And one that could be avoided if car companies would ALL install better safety systems. Why is it only cars that cost $60,000 + come with sensors that can tell if you fall asleep at the wheel and wake you up or do corrections?
smokeblwr
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.
Probably because those sensors cost a lot of money.
ferdcom
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:55 a.m.
Maybe it has to do with the cost.
Gregg
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 9:50 p.m.
Very very sad. I worked with Stan for years as well, he was a really cool person to know. RIP guy.
getyourstorystraightfirst
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 7:07 p.m.
This is so sad. My thoughts & prayers are with his family.
Danielle Domanski
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 4:04 p.m.
I worked with Stanley for several years, he was a good, hardworking and wonderful man. RIP Stan, I wish you well. You will be sorely missed.
leezee
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:15 p.m.
How awful! His poor family. My thoughts and prayers are with them.