Ohio man killed in I-75 crash Thursday in South Rockwood

SOUTH ROCKWOOD -- An Ohio man was ejected from his vehicle and died in a two-car accident on I-75 near Ready Road in northern Monroe County.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office identified the victim as Boyd Burton Jr., 71, of Walbridge, Ohio. The second driver, Jeremy L. Meeks, 35, of Taylor remains hospitalized.

Deputies reported the accident occurred around 4:45 a.m. Thursday. Burton was driving a 2006 Ford Escape in the center lane of northbound I-75 in the Village of South Rockwood.

Investigation showed that Burton's vehicle, while in motion, was struck by a 2004 Saturn Ion, operated by Meeks. Burton’s vehicle was forced off of the freeway striking the median barrier causing his vehicle to rotate counterclockwise coming to rest in the left travel lane.

In the process, Burton, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle and came to rest in the right travel lane. Meeks’ vehicle also left the freeway, striking the median barrier and coming to rest.

Meeks was wearing his seat belt when the crash occurred, deputies said. Speed appears to be a factor in the crash. Meeks was transported to Beaumont Trenton Hospital where he was listed in stable condition.

Burton was pronounced dead on scene from injuries suffered in the crash. Deputies reported it is unknown at this time if intoxicating substances were involved.

Members of the Berlin Township Volunteer Fire Department, Monroe Community Ambulance and Michigan State Police assisted at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by Deputies Austin Graham, Christine Ost and Justin Zielinski of the Uniform Services Division and Deputies Nick Burkhart and Jon Cregar of the Traffic Services Division. Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call (734) 240-7557.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Ohio man killed in I-75 crash in South Rockwood