Contact: Sgt. Joy Matthews - 616.632.6106
Email: joy.matthews@kentcountymi.gov
Supervisor Approval: Sgt. Ryan Wheeler
Case Number: 20-100293
Incident Type: Fatal Accident

NELSON Township, Kent County - On 01/02/2020 at approximately 6:50pm, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle accident in Nelson Township near the Cedar Springs city limits. The preliminary investigation shows a vehicle was traveling northbound on Northland Dr NE and attempted to make a left turn onto westbound 16 Mile Rd NE. The vehicle that was attempting to turn was struck by a SUV that was traveling southbound. A 31-year-old male was pronounced deceased at the scene. Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be factors in the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kent County Sheriff's Office.

Cedar Springs and Courtland Fire Departments assisted, as well as personnel from Rockford Ambulance and the Kent County Road Commission.

Next of Kin has been notified.

Reporting Officer: Deputy J. Vickery  
Release Completed By: Sgt. Joy Matthews
Approximate Time of Incident: 6:50pm
Township: Nelson  
Location of Crash: Northland Dr NE and 16 Mile Rd NE
Assisting Departments: Cedar Springs Fire Department, Courtland Fire Department, Rockford Ambulance, Kent County Road Commission

Vehicle Number: 1
Alcohol/Drugs Contributing Factor? (Yes/No/Unknown): Unknown
Year/Make/Model: 2006 Volvo XC90
Driver/Age: David Garner (28)
Driver City/State: Cedar Springs, MI
Injuries: None
Seatbelt? (Yes/No/Unknown): Unknown
Direction of Travel: Southbound
Transported By/Hospital: Self

Vehicle Number: 2
Alcohol/Drugs Contributing Factor? (Yes/No/Unknown): Unknown
Year/Make/Model: 2007 Ford Focus
Driver/Age: Scott Latsch (31)
Driver City/State: Holton, MI
Injuries: Fatal
Seatbelt? (Yes/No/Unknown): Unknown
Direction of Travel: Westbound
Transported By/Hospital: N/A