Full Notification

Sheriff Richard J. Behnke reports his office is investigating a Fatal single vehicle crash which was reported on 5-30-2020 at approx. 06:18 Hrs. The crash occurred on Church St, east of Lawrence Rd in Volinia Twp., Cass County, Michigan.

Initial investigation shows that an eastbound vehicle on Church Street lost control and flipped into a tree. The driver of the vehicle was found to be Austin Price, 21 Yrs of age, Dowagiac, MI. Passengers in the vehicle were identified as Nicholas Carey, 22 Yrs of age, Dowagiac, MI and Michael Mortimore, 21 Yrs of age, Dowagiac, MI. Mortimore was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash. Price was airlifted to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo and Carey was transported by Ambulance to Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo. All three occupants were trapped in the vehicle after the crash and had to be extricated from the vehicle.

Alcohol and Drugs may have played a factor in the crash.

Deputies were assisted on scene by Dowagiac City Fire Dept., Wayne Twp. Fire Dept., Marcellus Fire and Ambulance, Pride Care Ambulance and AirCare.

This crash remains under investigation at this time.