A tragic crash on US-131 has left the Portage and Allegan County communities in mourning after a Portage high school student succumbed to injuries following a wrong-way collision, officials confirm.
The Crash and Its Aftermath
According to the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred early Sunday morning when a vehicle entered the northbound lanes of US-131 traveling in the wrong direction and collided head-on with another car.
The driver of the wrong-way vehicle, identified as Erin Louise Jones, was driving south before exiting at 129th Avenue and then re-entering on the northbound side before committing a U-turn. Police suspect alcohol may have played a role in the incident.
The victim vehicle’s driver, 18-year-old Emmanuel Browning of Kalamazoo, also died at the scene, along with the front-seat passenger. The Portage student, a 17-year-old, and two other backseat passengers were critically injured. While the student later died from her injuries, the two surviving backseat passengers remain hospitalized.
Detectives say the wrong-way driver, Jones, had been stopped by a tribal police officer in the Gun Lake area shortly before the collision, but the incident escalated before she could be intercepted.
Community Response & School District Statement
Portage Public Schools confirmed that the deceased was a student from their Community High School, an alternative campus in the district. The district released a statement expressing sorrow and support:
“We are all saddened by this news and the District has and will continue to provide counseling resources to students and staff who may be impacted.”
They also noted that another victim killed in the crash was a former Portage Northern High School student.
Local leaders and residents have expressed shock and grief at the sudden loss. Many are calling on authorities to enforce stricter safety measures and improve infrastructure to help prevent future wrong-way incidents.
What Happens Next
Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. They are asking witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward. Any piece of evidence could be critical in clarifying how the collision unfolded and whether additional charges may be filed.
As the community wrestles with this tragic loss, thoughts remain with the families of those who died and the survivors whose lives have been forever changed. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the potential consequences of impaired or reckless driving.
This heartbreaking wrong-way collision on US-131 claimed multiple lives and left a community in mourning. The death of the young Portage student is a devastating loss not just to her family, but to classmates, teachers, and the wider community who cared for her.
As the investigation continues, many hope accountability, awareness, and prevention can follow, ensuring fewer families endure such heartbreak in the future.
If you or someone you know has information about this incident, please contact the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office. Every detail can make a difference in seeking justice and providing closure.