Shiawassee Co, MI (February 17, 2026) – A suspected impaired driver is accused of causing a deadly two-vehicle crash on Valentine’s Day that claimed the lives of two people and a dog in Woodhull Township. Deputies responded to the intersection of Britton Road and Shaftsburg Road shortly before 6 p.m. Authorities said the collision occurred after one driver allegedly failed to stop at a posted stop sign.
Key Details
- Reported: February 14, at 5:53 p.m.
- Location: Britton Rd and Shaftsburg Rd, Woodhull Twp
- Vehicles Involved: Two SUVs
- Fatalities: 82-year-old male and 79-year-old female from Laingsburg, along with a dog
- Suspected Factor: Driver accused of operating while intoxicated and failing to stop at a stop sign
What We Know So Far
- Shiawassee County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched at 5:53 p.m. on February 14 to a two-car crash.
- Investigators said a 38-year-old Laingsburg man driving an SUV failed to stop at a stop sign.
- The SUV struck another SUV driven by an 82-year-old Laingsburg man.
- A 79-year-old Laingsburg woman and a dog were also inside the second vehicle.
- The sheriff’s office confirmed the 82-year-old driver, the 79-year-old passenger, and the dog were pronounced dead at the scene.
- The crash remains under investigation, and the driver is suspected of driving while intoxicated.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Whether formal charges have been filed.
- The specific toxicology results.
- Additional details about vehicle speeds at the time of impact.
- Whether any other contributing factors were involved.
Two-lane highways and rural intersections, such as Britton Rd and Shaftsburg Rd, may rely on stop sign compliance to manage cross traffic safely. In Shiawassee County, fatal crash responses typically involve securing the scene, reconstructing vehicle positions, and carefully documenting roadway evidence while supporting affected families and the surrounding community.
What to Do Next
- Remain at the scene and follow instructions from first responders.
- Use hazard lights to alert approaching drivers if safe to do so.
- Write down the time, direction of travel, and any visible traffic control signs.
- Monitor for delayed symptoms and seek medical attention if you feel unwell after a collision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can injuries appear hours after a highway accident?
After a traumatic event, adrenaline can mask pain and other symptoms. Some injuries, including internal trauma or soft tissue damage, may not become noticeable until hours later.
Why are intersection crashes often severe?
Collisions at intersections frequently involve side-impact forces, which offer less structural protection than front or rear impacts. When drivers fail to stop or misjudge cross traffic, the results can be devastating.
What happens during scene documentation?
Investigators photograph the scene, measure vehicle positions, review traffic controls, and collect statements. This process helps determine how the crash occurred and whether any violations contributed.
