ALLEGAN COUNTY, Mich. — Two men are dead following a multi-vehicle accident on I-196 Thursday night, and police now say it all began with poor weather conditions.
The southbound lanes were closed for more than four hours after the accident.
According to Troopers from the Michigan State Police Wayland Post, Jared Kavinsky, a 21-year-old from Wisconsin, lost control of his black Honda on wet, slushy roads. Kavinsky then struck the median cable barrier, and his car came to rest partly in the left lane of the freeway.
Another motorist witnessed the crash, and decided to try and help. Terrence Noone, a 62-year-old from Chicago, stopped to assist Kavinsky on foot. The two were standing near the damaged Honda, when a third vehicle driven by Joseph Willard of Comstock Park lost control, striking Noone and Kavinsky, as well as the Honda.
Both Noone and Kavinsky were pronounced dead at the scene. Willard, 26, was flown to the hospital with serious injuries.
Northbound I-196 also was partially closed down near the accident while crews cleared the scene.
The highway was eventually reopened to traffic at 12:03 a.m. Friday.
