Berrien County, MI (April 12, 2025) – Jose Hernandez, a 35-year-old man from Sawyer, was fatally struck by a semi-truck early Saturday morning while walking along Interstate 94 near Browntown Road in Lake Township.
Incident Details: The crash occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-94. According to the semi-truck driver, a man from Dearborn, Michigan, he initially believed he had struck an animal, but upon exiting his vehicle and checking the scene, discovered that he had hit a person. Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that Hernandez had been walking along the highway, though the reason why he was there remains unknown. The truck driver was not injured.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Investigators will likely assess whether low visibility, lack of reflective clothing, or other roadway conditions played a role in the crash. Although it appears the truck driver was unaware of the pedestrian until the moment of impact, commercial drivers are held to a high standard of awareness, particularly at night. Key questions may include whether the vehicle was within speed limits and if any dashcam or GPS data can further clarify the moments leading up to the collision. The unusual circumstance of a pedestrian on the freeway may also bring up mental health or impairment concerns.
Source: WNDU