SOUTHFIELD, Oakland County, Mich., Oct. 5, 2026 — A 19-year-old man died Saturday night, October 3, after he stopped to help at an earlier crash on the southbound Lodge Freeway near Nine Mile Road and was struck by another vehicle. Michigan State Police said the crash shut down the freeway for several hours.
The teen had been driving on the southbound Lodge Freeway when he reportedly saw a two-vehicle crash that had blocked two lanes near Nine Mile Road, according to state police. He pulled over, left his car, and crossed the freeway to reach the people involved.
As he approached the earlier crash, another vehicle swerved, apparently trying to avoid the wreckage, and struck him.
Southfield Fire Department EMS crews performed CPR and other lifesaving measures at the scene, but the young man did not survive.
The driver of the vehicle that struck him stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators, according to police. Initial findings suggest drugs or alcohol were not factors, though the investigation remains open. The freeway reopened around 4:30 a.m. Sunday, October 4.
Michigan State Police have not released further details and said the investigation is continuing.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk When Stopping to Help After a Crash
People who stop on or near a freeway to assist crash victims face a kind of danger that's easy to overlook: they become pedestrians in a traffic lane with little or no protection. Drivers approaching the scene are reacting to flashing lights, debris, or stopped vehicles, and a person standing in or near a travel lane has far less time to react than someone inside a car.
Younger drivers and passersby are often the ones who stop, since good Samaritan impulses are strongest among people nearby who feel capable of helping. But age isn't really the determining factor in these cases; exposure is. Anyone outside a vehicle on an active freeway, whether helping at a wreck, changing a tire, or walking to a shoulder, is at far greater risk than someone belted into a seat.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40,901 people were killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. A portion of those deaths each year involve people struck outside their vehicles, including bystanders and good Samaritans who stopped to render aid before being hit by another car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should families do after a fatal crash?
Families are typically contacted by the investigating agency, which can provide a case number and a contact for updates. It can help to request a copy of the police report once it's finalized and to ask the agency what steps come next.
How are fatal crashes investigated?
Agencies like state police typically document the scene, interview witnesses and drivers, and review physical evidence such as skid marks or vehicle damage. Toxicology and mechanical factors are often checked before a case is closed.
How long do fatal-crash investigations take?
Timelines vary widely. Some cases close within weeks, while others take months if toxicology results, crash reconstruction or additional witness statements are pending.
What role does impairment play in fatal crashes?
Investigators routinely check for signs of alcohol or drug impairment in any fatal crash, even when early indications suggest it wasn't a factor, since toxicology results can take time to confirm.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Freeway Crash in Southfield, Michigan
If you're ever involved in or witness a crash on a freeway, staying inside your vehicle with hazard lights on is generally safer than stepping into traffic lanes, even to help others. If you do need to assist, try to wait for emergency responders or move to a protected area away from moving lanes.
Anyone involved in or affected by a roadside incident should seek a medical check, even without obvious injury, since shock and adrenaline can mask symptoms. It's also worth documenting the scene if it's safe to do so and contacting the responding agency afterward for a copy of the official report.
