OAKLAND COUNTY, MI. (THECOUNT) — Renee Marie Vilders, 34, of Groveland Township, Michigan, lost her life in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday night on Dixie Highway in Oakland County, Michigan, according to authorities.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office reported that the crash occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. when Vilders, driving a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox eastbound on Holly Road, failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection with Dixie Highway.
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Crash Details:
As Vilders entered the intersection, her vehicle collided with a 2023 GMC Sierra pickup truck traveling north on Dixie Highway. The GMC was being driven by a 64-year-old man from Groveland Township, with a 61-year-old passenger.
The impact forced both vehicles off the roadway and into a cluster of trees. The Equinox came to rest on its side, wedged against the trees.
Emergency responders from the Springfield Township and Groveland Township Fire Departments arrived at the scene. Vilders was pronounced dead at the site of the crash. The driver and passenger of the pickup truck were transported to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for injuries and listed in stable condition.
Ongoing Investigation:
Authorities confirmed that all parties involved in the crash were wearing seatbelts at the time. An autopsy for Vilders is pending, and officials have not determined whether alcohol or other impairments were contributing factors.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit is leading the investigation into the incident to determine the exact sequence of events and any underlying causes.
Community Reaction:
The sudden loss of Renee Marie Vilders has left her Groveland Township community in mourning. Neighbors and friends remembered her as a kind and hardworking individual who had a strong connection to her family and community.
“She was always someone who would go out of her way to help others,” said one neighbor. “This is such a heartbreaking loss.”
Safety Reminders:
Officials are using this tragedy as an opportunity to remind drivers of the importance of adhering to traffic signs and signals, particularly at intersections.
“This crash highlights the devastating consequences of not stopping at a stop sign,” said a spokesperson for the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. “We urge all drivers to remain vigilant and cautious, especially in high-traffic areas or during nighttime driving.”
Help for the Injured:
The two occupants of the GMC Sierra are expected to recover from their injuries, but they remain under observation as a precautionary measure. Their identities have not been released, and no additional updates on their condition have been provided.
What’s Next?
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has not announced any further updates at this time but is encouraging anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward. Witnesses can contact the Crash Reconstruction Unit directly to assist in piecing together the events leading to the collision.
As the investigation unfolds, Vilders’ family is left grappling with the devastating aftermath of her untimely death. Support for the family has begun to pour in from local organizations and individuals offering condolences.
Groveland Township is a civil township of Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 5,912 at the 2020 census. Groveland Township was established in 1835.
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