GRAND RAPIDS, Mich: Michigan State Police say vehicle heading north on U.S. 131 Wednesday night, rear ended a van near the West River Drive exit, causing the van to hit another vehicle in front of it. The van then left the freeway and hit a large road sign.
One of the passengers inside the van, Andy Larson, 14, was killed in the crash. A family spokesperson identified him late Thursday afternoon. He was going into his freshman year at West Michigan Aviation Academy.
State police said the area on US-131 north and West River Drive is a heavy traffic area, not only is it the exit for Fifth Third Ball Park, but it's also near construction zones which means drivers experience many slow downs and short stops.
"This was probably the result of construction up near 10 mile and 131, traffic backing up as we know northbound and folks just sometimes aren't paying attention," Michigan State Police Lt. Chris McIntire said.
Troopers are still investigating the cause of Wednesday's accident, but say distracted driving isn't being ruled out. While not addressing this case specifically, Lt. McIntire said distracted driving has been a factor in a growing number of traffic accidents, statewide.
"Put those distractions in your car away, we know they're there, the problem is that you'll see traffic stopped and then it goes and then it stops so quickly again, people think they have time now to check that text message, check that email, there certainly isn't time, put it down, it can wait until you get home and keep everybody safe is what we ask you to do," Lt. McIntire said.
During baseball season, 131 north bound at the West River Drive exit can become congested. The Whitecaps had a home game Wednesday night that started shortly after 7:00.
"We know that many times, not just this accident here, but the cause of many accidents we see in these construction zones or areas where it's backed up is because of distractions in the car," Lt. McIntire said.
Summer time is also a time when construction season is in full swing, which is why troopers are encouraging drivers to put the distractions away.
"I would just encourage everybody that when you come into these areas, we know where the traffic is busy during the days, rush hour is rush hour, especially in the areas where we know we have congested traffic because of construction, you've got to pay attention," Lt. McIntire said.
The passengers and drivers of the other vehicles involved were taken to the hospital but are expected to be ok.
Visitation for Andy Larson is scheduled for Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Metcalf Jonkhoff Funeral home. The funeral is Monday morning at 11 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids.
Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash, however it's still an ongoing investigation
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