AUSTIN TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Michigan State Police are investigating a crash that left one man and his horse dead, and a trooper hurt.
Authorities say the trooper responded to 8 Mile Road and 170th Avenue in Mecosta County's Austin Township on Sunday morning. He was dispatched for a horse on the loose.
The trooper was able to capture the animal. Neighbors contacted the owner, who came to pick up the horse.
The man was walking the horse back to his property, with the trooper following in his cruiser, when a driver on 8 Mile Road lost control of her vehicle. The car hit the man, his horse, and the cruiser.
The man and his horse both died from their injuries. The trooper was treated and released for his injuries. The driver of the car was not hurt.
Police identified the man as 85-year-old Robert Johnston.
The crash remains under investigation.
