ORONOKO TOWNSHIP — A 58-year-old man died in a semi versus passenger vehicle crash Thursday afternoon in Oronoko Township, according to the Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township Police Department.

At approximately 5:26 p.m., emergency personnel responded to a personal injury crash south bound on the St. Joseph Valley Parkway at the 13-mile marker. 

An initial investigation determined a Jeep Wrangler, towing a trailer, was traveling south when a semi traveling in the same direction ran into the trailer and Jeep Wrangler. Both vehicles ran off the roadway after impact, police said. 

The Jeep rolled onto its side, slid into several trees, and ejected the front seat passenger.  The semi rolled onto its side and also struck several trees entrapping the driver, David John Schultz, 58, Eustis, Florida, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Jeep Wrangler was driven by Ronnie Shepley-Minner, Sr., 55, Mishawaka. His passenger was Ronnie Shepley-Minner, Jr., 26, Mishawaka. Both sustained non-life-threatening injuries.  They were admitted to Lakeland-Spectrum Hospital for observation, and the passenger was treated and released.   

This traffic crash remains under investigation by the Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township Police Department and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Unit.

Other agencies that responded to the scene include Michigan State Police, MI Tactical Rescue Team 5th District and Medic 1 Ambulance.

Further information may be made available after confirming data and evidence is processed and reviewed, police said.