Fatal accident in Chippewa County
GOETZVILLE — The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a one-vehicle fatal accident that occurred Monday on M-48 near Townline Road near Raber Township.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived on the scene at about 11:30 p.m. and located a pickup truck in the west ditch off M-48. Deputies then observed that the pickup had been traveling north on M-48 and gone off the road. It struck a ditch, a large rock and several trees before coming to a rest on its side.
Deputies identified the driver as Benjamin Ray Hilts, 35, of De Tour. Hilts was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputies believe speed and alcohol were factors in the accident. Hilt also was not wearing a seatbelt.
The accident remains under investigation.
Deputies were assisted on the scene by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State Police, Raber Fire, and De Tour Fire and EMS.