Saginaw County, MI (November 18, 2024) – Tragedy struck Saginaw County over the weekend as two separate traffic crashes claimed the lives of three young individuals and left several others injured. The first fatal accident occurred Friday, November 15, at the intersection of East Genesee Ave and Ruckle St on the city’s East Side, while the second devastating collision happened Saturday evening on Birch Run Rd in Birch Run Township.
The initial crash unfolded around 3:49 p.m. when a red 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee and a white 2001 Chevrolet Express van collided head-on after one of the vehicles reportedly crossed the centerline. Following the impact, both vehicles erupted into flames. Saginaw Police Detective Sgt. Jeff Doud confirmed that emergency responders pronounced both drivers deceased at the scene.
The drivers were later identified as 24-year-old Jayden Burnett, who was operating the Jeep, and 22-year-old Scintayvian McMullen, who was driving the van. Autopsy and toxicology results are pending to determine if alcohol or drugs contributed to the incident.
The following day, at approximately 5:18 p.m., a three-vehicle collision occurred on Birch Run Rd, just east of Block Rd in Birch Run Township. According to the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office, a westbound Nissan Rogue crossed the centerline, sideswiping an eastbound Chevrolet Equinox before colliding head-on with an eastbound Chevrolet Malibu. The violent crash left multiple victims injured and one person deceased.
Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to free two drivers trapped in their vehicles. The Nissan’s driver, a 31-year-old woman from Millington, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Covenant HealthCare for treatment. Tragically, the Malibu’s driver, 21-year-old Alexis Rietz of Millington, succumbed to her injuries at Hurley Medical Center in Flint. Two female passengers in the Malibu also sustained serious injuries and were treated at Hurley.
Authorities suspect alcohol played a role in the Saturday evening crash. Both incidents remain under investigation by local law enforcement.
Fatal Accidents in Michigan
Traffic accidents resulting in fatalities are a sobering reminder of the dangers present on the roadways. Michigan, like many states, faces a significant number of collisions each year due to factors such as impaired driving, reckless behavior, and poor road conditions. In 2023 alone, the state reported thousands of accidents involving serious injuries or fatalities.
The crashes in Saginaw County underscore the importance of adhering to safe driving practices and the need for drivers to remain vigilant behind the wheel. The loss of young lives in these tragedies is a devastating blow to the community. Local authorities continue to investigate both incidents to uncover the exact circumstances that led to these heartbreaking events.