Police release names of five killed in head-on crash on US-23
University of Michigan student Heather Comstock, 19, of Okemos was one of five people killed in a head-on crash on US-23 north of Ann Arbor Sunday afternoon, according to a Green Oak Township police news release.
The others killed in the crash were Matthew Kolstoe, 18, of Okemos, who was driving the silver 2002 Toyota Prius involved in the crash; Sarina Seger, 18, of Williamston, who was a passenger in the Prius; Cynthia Skutt, 62, of Fremont, Ohio, who was driving the 2003 blue Chevrolet Blazer involved, and passenger Alfred King, 56.
The fourth person in the Prius, an 18-year-old Okemos resident, is still being treated at the U-M Hospital.
The three children — ages 10, 5 and 3 — who were riding in the backseat of the Blazer are still being treated at the U-M Hospital.
All of the occupants of the Toyota Prius were found restrained by seat belts, as were the children in the Chevrolet Blazer. The two front seat passengers in the Chevrolet Blazer were found unrestrained, according to a news release.
Township police said in a release that the northbound Toyota Prius with the four teenagers in it crossed the median Sunday afternoon and hit the southbound Chevrolet Blazer carrying the two adults and three children. The crash occurred about one mile north of Silver Lake Road, according to the release.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Heather Lockwood is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at heatherlockwood@annarbor.com or follow her on Twitter.
Comments
Silly Sally
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.
What a tragedy for all families involved. Its too bad that there is no barrier on the median, even if it is only a wire, to prevent cars from crossing over. I would support higher gas taxes for improvements such as that. Where in the article does it even mention the speed of either car? It doesn't. What is dangerous about 80 or even 100 MPH? Little, if the rest of traffic is also gong that same speed. The Autobahn in Germany is quite safe. The problem is that a car crossed the median, Even if it had been going only 70, and the other car was going 70, the combined total would be 140 MPH. Having a better median with a barrier would help. This article doesn't mention if it was on a curve, or give any reason why this happened.
actionjackson
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 10:12 a.m.
60 mph equals 88ft/sec. I travel US23 regularly and many don't realize, as they drive so close that you can't see their headlights over your own trunk lid. Even a slight slow down will cause cars all around them to be involved in life threatining situations. Wake up! You complain about the job that you're in such a hurry to get to.
krc
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 9:14 a.m.
What a tragic loss of life. Three young people who had their whole lives in front of them, and a set of what I'm assuming are grandparents who won't be in their grandkids' lives now. My heart goes out to their families.
GettingBluer
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 8:59 p.m.
Really ironic in that is almost in front of the Green Oaks Township Police Department. Also, the median is VERY, VERY wide there and dips down in the center.
retiree80
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 8:37 p.m.
This event is incredibly sad...so many lives will be affected...it is heartbreaking. However - in order to get to the root of many of the stories that we have been seeing in the news media lately - we have to look at our own Federal, State and municipal governments. Law enforcement has been cut to the bone in this State - from State level to a local level. It was only a matter of time until higher crime rates and profound tragedies were the result of law enforcement cuts. The disturbing news story from the June shooting in Ypsilanti - clearly illustrated that there are not enough police officers to handle emergencies. When officers have to decide between protecting their own safety and that of a citizen - our society has hit rock bottom. Many agencies are currently staffed at levels only seen in the early 1970's- despite tremendous population growth. Law enforcement is a necessary "evil" so to speak - and officers put their lives on the line everyday to try to protect you - whether your home is invaded or motorists are traveling 90 mph + on the highway-endangering you and your family. It is a matter of money and priorities. Our government has clearly shown that human lives are not a priority... very sad indeed!
iceman
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 8:22 p.m.
The joy of on-line newspaper is people wish to debate who, what & why and totally ignore the fact that many families are grieving over this accident. Why make this a forum to argue the what"s & if's and have some respect for the dead & their families. Lets show some compassion. RIP for those who lost their lives.
johnnya2
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 8:02 p.m.
Why are you sure speed was the cause of the accident and deaths? Would it have changed if they crossed the median going 70 (the posted limit)? I don't recall anybody saying how fast either car was going, but you made an an assumption that has nothing to do with facts. Please tell us oh wise one. What would the cops have done to stop this accident?
scooter dog
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 7:15 p.m.
I surmize,if you half to ask why I would think there would be more police after the wreck,you need to stay off the road
AAJoker
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 6:32 p.m.
I travel this route daily and can offer up how to reduce accidents: 1. Eliminate the exit on the left from US23N to I96 as this exit cause a huge speed difference as truck traveling 55 move to the fast lane. 2. Reduce traffic, urban sprawl has made this route PACKED going south in the morning and going north in the evenings. As for speed, it really only matters when you consider differentials and the driver reactions required to compensate. Instead of pointing at fast drivers I would like the 65mph fast lane sitters to use the highways properly and pass or get over. There are daily accidents in the area, it is truly unfortunate that it takes lose of life to get some attention.
michiganexpats.com
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 6:32 p.m.
So sad. Hope the kids are ok.
lisam
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 5:11 p.m.
There's a wreck right now by the Green Oaks Township mall as we speak, a fender-bender on 23. People are in such a hurry to go where? I don't get it.
Salinemary
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 3:36 p.m.
God bless these victims and their families.
dae
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 3:32 p.m.
Yes, it is a dangerous situation with people flying at 80+ but they fly at 80+ on I-96, too. There are only so many officers and many miles of expressway and two-lane highways in this county to patrol. In fact, I haven't seen many officers in the usual spots on 96 lately. But, we can not blame the lack of officers in every accident. I would like to see the state/Livingston County put up a series of guardrails or the new guard wire system to prevent another head-on accident on the stretch of road from just north of Lee Road down to at least 8 Mile. That would hopefully curb any fatal accidents. It is a great tradegy to lose lives in any accident. I hope that the accident was caused by a mechanical breakdown and not distracted driving (such as texting/talking on phone). My prayers go out to the families and the communities affected by this loss.
ThaKillaBee
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 3:29 p.m.
@scooter dog - Why would you expect to see an increase in police coverage? We know nothing about what caused this crash. SOMETHING had to happen inside the vehicle for it to cross the median at full speed. I see no reason to have more police in the area just because of one accident.
scooter dog
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 2:58 p.m.
I went thru that area this morning and nothing has changed. No cops in sight and most everyone doing 80 plus. You'd think after such a horrible loss of life the police would be out in force. I went from ann arbor to linden and never saw a cop