Two die in head on crash with tractor on S. Custer Road in Raisinville Township

RAISINVILLE TWP. — A driver from Jackson and her infant died early Tuesday after a traffic crash occurred on S. Custer Road, east of Lewis Avenue, in Raisinville Township.

Preliminary investigation reveals Journee E. Padgett, 19, accompanied by a rear-seat infant passenger, was operating a white 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, eastbound on S. Custer Road, Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough said in a news release.

While in motion, and for an unknown reason, Padgett crossed the centerline striking a white 2021 Western Star tractor, with tandem trailers, head-on in the westbound lane of S. Custer Road. Douglas P. Millyard, 58, of Adrian was operating the tractor.

After impact, both vehicles came to rest in the westbound lane of travel. Both Millyard and Padgett were wearing safety belts at the time of the crash. The infant passenger was properly secured in a rear facing car seat. Airbags deployed in the 2015 Chevrolet when the crash occurred. Alcohol and speed are not factors in the crash.

Padgett was pronounced deceased on scene from injuries suffered in the crash. The infant rear-seat passenger was transported to ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. Millyard was not injured and was released from the scene.

Members of the Ida Township Fire Department, Monroe Community Ambulance, Michigan State Police, Michigan Department of Transportation, Monroe County Sheriff's Office Chaplin Program, and Monroe County Sheriff's Office Victim Services Unit assisted at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by Lieutenant Brian Quinn and Deputy Sheriffs Nick Burkhart and Cody Carena of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Traffic Services Division. Anyone with information is asked to call 734-240-7557. Anonymous tips can be called to Crime Stoppers @ 1-800-speakup or can be submitted on their website, www.1800speakup.org.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Two die in head on crash with tractor on S. Custer Road in Raisinville Township