Two sisters from Chicago were pronounced dead at the scene after a car crash that occurred around 4:12 p.m. on Dec. 26 at the intersection of Warren Woods Road and Cleveland Road.
Bre Anne Sutherland, 37, and Laurel Sutherland, 41, were passengers in the back seat of a 2014 Chevrolet sedan, which was occupied by three other individuals, whose names have not yet been released by authorities.
According to a preliminary investigation, the car did not stop at a stop sign as the vehicle traveled east-bound on Warren Woods Road and crossed the intersection of Cleveland Road. The car was struck by a south-bound 2001 Dodge pick-up, which was occupied by a 51-year-old female from Galien.
Berrien County Sheriff Chief Deputy Robert Boyce said at this point in the preliminary investigation speeding has not yet been determined as a factor. He approximated that the 2014 Chevy was traveling the speed limit of 55 mph.
It is known that neither of the deceased sisters were wearing seat belts, Boyce said.
The driver of the Chevy was a 66-year-old male from Howard Township. He was transported to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana with life threatening injuries, according to a release from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.
A 66-year-old female, who was in the front seat passenger in the 2014 Chevrolet was also taken to Memorial Hospital with internal injuries and a possible head injury.
A male subject, who was a back seat passenger in the 2014 Chevrolet was also taken to Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The driver of the 2001 Dodge pickup truck was transported to Memorial Hospital in South Bend with non-life threatening injuries.
There has been no further release as to the medical status of the individuals who were hospitalized.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office road patrol deputies were assisted at the scene by members of the Michigan State Police, the Weesaw Township Fire and Rescue Department, the Berrien County Road Commission, the Berrien County Medical Examiner’s Office and Medic 1 Ambulance Service personnel.
Members of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office accident investigation unit are currently investigating the traffic collision.
It does not appear that weather or road conditions played a factor in this traffic collision, according to information in the release.
It is unknown if medical issues, narcotics or alcohol were contributing factors, but those aspects are currently being investigated, according to the release.
Also assisting in the investigations were members of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office victim services unit and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office chaplains.
Boyce cautioned drivers to be aware as they traveled.
“Just always be aware of your surroundings,” he said. “And any traffic control device use due care and caution.”