COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A 38-year-old semi-truck driver from Macomb County has been charged in connection with a fatal crash on Interstate 69 in Branch County, that claimed the life of Branch County Road Commission employee Casey Rice.
On June 4, around 12:30 p.m., Rice, 46, of Coldwater, was operating a tractor-mower along the southbound lanes near the Newton Road overpass when the semi driven by Robert Craig rear-ended the equipment, forcing it into the guardrail.
Rice sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Kalamazoo, where he died two days later on June 6. Investigators obtained video from Craig’s truck showing he did not apply the brakes before impact, and court records indicate Craig had tested positive for cocaine.
Craig now faces charges of open murder, operating while intoxicated causing death, reckless driving causing death, and being a habitual offender fourth offense.
He is currently being held in the Oakland County Jail on unrelated charges.
Michigan State Police had earlier noted that drug use may have contributed to the crash and transferred the investigation to their Commercial Carrier Division.
Authorities have used the tragedy to remind motorists of Michigan’s “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to change lanes or slow down significantly when approaching roadside workers and vehicles.
Craig is expected to be arraigned in Branch County in the coming days.
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