PLYMOUTH — Tragedy struck on Tuesday morning when a devastating collision occurred at the intersection of Queen Road and U.S. 30, leaving one man dead and another fighting for his life. Authorities say the crash involved a tractor-trailer and a pickup truck, a violent encounter that stunned witnesses and the local community alike.
According to reports from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, the tractor-trailer, driven by a 61-year-old man, was heading west on U.S. 30 when it allegedly ran a red light. Without slowing down, the large semi collided with a southbound Chevrolet pickup truck driven by a 77-year-old Plymouth resident. The impact was severe and immediate.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes, but despite their efforts, the driver of the pickup truck could not be revived. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The force of the collision had completely crushed the front of his vehicle, a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be lost on the road.
A 20-year-old woman who was a passenger in the pickup truck suffered critical injuries. Witnesses said she was trapped in the wreckage for several minutes before firefighters managed to free her. She was airlifted by medical helicopter to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, where doctors continue to fight for her recovery.
People who knew the late driver described him as a pillar of the Plymouth community — dependable, humble, and kind. Friends and neighbors recalled how he was always willing to help others, whether that meant lending tools, sharing advice, or offering a friendly smile during hard times. His quiet generosity had touched many lives, making his loss deeply felt throughout the town.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Detectives are examining whether excessive speed, distraction, or a potential mechanical failure could have led to the driver of the semi failing to stop at the red light. Officers also plan to review surveillance footage from nearby businesses to reconstruct the moments leading up to the collision.
Witnesses at the intersection described the scene as horrifying, noting that the semi did not appear to slow down before impact. Some drivers who were stopped at the light reportedly leapt from their vehicles to help, doing their best to provide comfort and assistance until emergency crews arrived.
As investigators work to piece together the sequence of events, the community is left grappling with grief and unanswered questions. The accident serves as a solemn reminder of how quickly tragedy can unfold, even on familiar roads traveled daily by countless drivers.
Local residents have begun placing flowers and candles near the intersection in memory of the victim. Many have expressed their heartbreak online, sharing messages of sympathy for the man’s family and prayers for the young woman’s recovery.
For now, Plymouth mourns one of its own — a man remembered for his kindness and steady presence — while holding hope that the injured passenger will heal. As the investigation continues, officials urge all drivers to remain alert and cautious, emphasizing that every red light and every second on the road can make a life-or-death difference.
