By Staff
CASSOPOLIS – Cass County Sheriff Joseph Underwood Jr. reports his office is investigating a personal-injury crash that occurred on Thursday, June 11, at approximately 7:43 p.m. in Calvin Township.
Deputies investigating at the scene advised that the driver of the vehicle, Jeffery Shilts, 22, of Kalamazoo, was traveling east on Osborn Street at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his vehicle, which crossed the centerline and left the roadway, striking a mailbox and a porch of a residence. The vehicle then crossed the centerline to the south, going off the road and rolling over into Crooked Creek.
A passenger, Zane Shilts 24, of Kalamazoo, was ejected from the vehicle when it rolled over into the creek. Another passenger, Louis Lampert, 39, of Cassopolis, received minor injuries, as well as the driver. Both were treated and released at the scene by ambulance personnel.
All occupants were assisted out of the creek by deputies who arrived on scene. Deputies were assisted at the scene by Lifecare Ambulance, Edwardsburg Ambulance and Penn Township Fire Department. Passenger Zane Shilts was transferred to Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo where he was listed in critical condition.
Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the incident. Both the driver and front passenger were wearing seatbelts.
Seatbelt use by Zane Shilts was unknown.
The accident remains under investigation.