Grand Rapids woman among four who pass in wrong-way crash on U.S. 131
In Allegan County, Michigan, a devastating highway crash early Sunday morning, November 2, 2025, left four people dead and communities across West Michigan mourning. The tragedy occurred on U.S. Highway 131 near the 129th Avenue exit in Martin Township, when a wrong-way driver collided head-on with another vehicle.
The first victim identified was Erin Louise Jones, a 38-year-old resident of Grand Rapids, who was driving a Subaru Legacy southbound in the northbound lanes of U.S. 131. According to investigators, her vehicle entered the freeway near 129th Avenue after making a U-turn and then struck a northbound Ford Fusion head-on. Jones passed away at the scene due to the severity of the impact.
In the other vehicle, the Ford Fusion, the driver was identified as Emmanuel Browning, 18, of Kalamazoo. Browning was a 2025 graduate of Portage Northern High School and a prospective student at Davenport University, known for his leadership and positive energy. He also passed away at the scene from crash-related injuries.
Another front-seat passenger in the Ford Fusion also lost their life in the collision. While authorities have not released that individual’s name, family members have confirmed the passenger was a close friend of Browning. A 17-year-old female passenger, a student at Portage Community High School, sustained life-threatening injuries and later passed away at the hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities to four.
Two additional passengers in the Ford Fusion survived the crash but suffered critical injuries. One is a 16-year-old girl from Comstock High School, and the other is an 18-year-old male whose identity has not yet been made public. Both remain hospitalized as of the latest reports, fighting to recover from their injuries.
The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office said deputies received reports of a wrong-way driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of U.S. 131 just before the crash. Officers from Gun Lake Tribal Police attempted to intercept the Subaru, but the vehicle continued for several miles before colliding with the Ford Fusion. Investigators believe alcohol may have been a factor, but toxicology reports are still pending.
Authorities noted that Erin Louise Jones had no prior record of driving offenses. The Allegan County crash reconstruction team continues to review evidence, including dashcam video and witness statements, to determine exactly how the crash occurred and whether impairment or fatigue contributed.
The impact of the tragedy has been felt deeply throughout Grand Rapids, Portage, and Kalamazoo. Erin Jones’s family and friends are mourning the loss of a woman remembered for her kindness, humor, and love for her community. The deaths of Browning and the two teens have also devastated local schools, prompting grief counseling and memorial services for students and staff.
Educators at Portage Northern High School described Browning as a “bright light with a big future,” while classmates of the young female passenger remembered her as compassionate and creative. Both schools have lowered their flags and planned tributes in memory of their students.
Authorities and community leaders have since renewed calls for road safety awareness and stronger wrong-way driver prevention measures, including better signage and roadway sensors. Law enforcement officials also emphasized the importance of immediately reporting wrong-way drivers to 911 to prevent similar tragedies.
As the investigation continues, families and friends of the victims remain united in grief. Candlelight vigils and fundraisers are being organized across West Michigan to honor Erin Louise Jones, Emmanuel Browning, and the two teens whose lives were cut short. Their memory will serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life — and the shared responsibility to drive safely and protect one another on the road.
