Cass man killed in traffic accident

Published 6:41 pm Monday, April 27, 2015

A Cassopolis man is dead after being struck by a vehicle in Newberg Township early Sunday morning, according to information released by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.

Duke Gowens, 25, succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the accident after being hit while traveling on foot on M-40. According to authorities, the accident occurred around 1:20 a.m., when a northbound vehicle collided with the Cassopolis man while he was sitting in roadway in the north lane, near Withers Street. The driver of car was unable to stop the vehicle or avoid a collision with Gowens.

Officials with the sheriff’s office were able to determine the identity of the driver and the vehicle involved with the crash through evidence and eyewitness statements. Authorities are not releasing the name of the subject due to their ongoing investigation.

Anyone with further information regarding the accident is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at (269) 445-1560.

Deputies were assisted by crews with Newberg Fire and Ambulance at the scene of the accident.