Coldwater man hospitalized after being hit by semi-truck while mowing along I-69

LANSING, Mich. (News 10) - A Coldwater man has been hospitalized after being hit by a semi-truck while mowing grass alongside the highway in Branch County.

Michigan State Police officials say it happened around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4 on I-69 near the Newton Road Bridge.

Authorities say the 46-year-old man was mowing on a tractor alongside the freeway when he was hit by a semi tractor-trailer. He was airlifted to Beacon Hospital in Kalamazoo with serious injuries, according to MSP.

The semi driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to Bronson Hospital in Battle Creek for observation.

The crash left a stretch of I-69 closed for more than eight hours before reopening around 9 p.m. Thursday.

Investigators believe drug use “may have been a contributing factor,” but additional follow-up is needed to confirm.

“Motorists are reminded to stay alert for mowing crews and equipment working in medians, shoulders, and ditch areas. If you see maintenance crews or mowing equipment ahead, move over one lane when it is safe to do so. If you cannot move over, slow down and proceed with caution,” MSP officials with the Fifth District said in a post on X.

The Branch County Sheriff’s Office, Coldwater Police Department, Coldwater Fire Department and LifeCare Ambulance assisted MSP at the scene.

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