Camden Township, Michigan (December 21, 2025) — Members of an Amish family were seriously injured Sunday afternoon after their horse-drawn buggy was struck from behind by a pickup truck in rural Hillsdale County, according to local reports. The crash left 32-year-old Henry Graber and multiple children with severe injuries and has prompted a community-led effort to support the family’s recovery.
Incident Details: The collision occurred just before 2:00 p.m. on Mead Road in Camden Township. Authorities said a pickup truck traveling southbound rear-ended a horse-drawn buggy that was also heading south. The buggy was occupied by Henry Graber, 31-year-old Katheryn Graber, and their five children.
As a result of the impact, Henry Graber and at least one child sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to hospitals for emergency treatment. According to information shared by the family, Henry, his 6-year-old son Jr., and his nearly 1-year-old son Chris were transported by medical helicopter to the University of Michigan Hospital. Henry reportedly suffered a broken neck, Jr. underwent surgery, and Chris remains in critical condition, fighting for his life. Other family members were also injured and received medical care, though the extent of their injuries has not been fully detailed.
Investigation: Authorities have not yet released details regarding the cause of the crash. In collisions involving horse-drawn buggies, investigators typically examine visibility, following distance, vehicle speed, and whether the motorist had sufficient time to perceive and react to a slower-moving buggy on the roadway.
Rural roads can pose particular dangers for Amish families, especially when buggies share the road with faster-moving motor vehicles. Investigators may review roadway conditions, signage, and whether the buggy was properly illuminated or marked, as well as whether driver inattention or distraction played a role in the rear-end collision. The comprehensive findings from these lines of inquiry will ultimately determine the official cause of the crash and inform any subsequent legal or civil proceedings.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving motor vehicles and horse-drawn buggies often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for buggy occupants. From a civil perspective, determining liability may involve evaluating whether the pickup truck driver maintained a safe following distance and exercised reasonable care when traveling on a roadway known to be used by Amish families.
For the Graber family, the consequences of the crash extend far beyond the initial impact. Serious injuries requiring multiple surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care can place an overwhelming emotional and financial burden on families. In situations like this, injured victims may consider pursuing personal injury claims to help cover medical expenses, long-term care needs, and other losses resulting from a preventable collision.
I extend my sincere wishes for strength and healing to the Graber family as they face a long and uncertain road to recovery.
Source: WTVB News