On Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, at approximately 11:11 a.m., the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to a fatal car crash on Northland Drive just south of 12 Mile Road in Mecosta Township.

According to the investigation, the vehicle was travelling northbound on Northland Drive when it crossed the entire roadway and struck a tree. The vehicle, upon striking the tree, immediately caught fire and was fully engulfed in flames. The driver was not able to exit the car and sustained fatal injuries. The driver of the vehicle is believed to be known, but the Sheriff's Office is waiting on confirmation of the identity of the driver through the pending autopsy.

The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple calls about another vehicle being involved, but that has not been confirmed at this time. Anyone that may have witnessed the crash, or the involved 2015 Chevrolet Traverse, is asked to contact the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office at 231-592-0150 or by email at tips@mecostasheriff.org.

The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Mecosta Township Fire and Rescue, Big Rapids City Fire, Mecosta County EMS, Meceola Central Dispatch, Mecosta County Victim's Services Unit, and Mid-Michigan Medical Examiners Group.