Monroe County, MI – A Jackson woman died Tuesday in a fatal head-on collision on S. Custer Road near Lewis Avenue. The crash occurred at 8:29 a.m., claiming the life of 19-year-old Journee E. Padgett.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Padgett was driving eastbound with an infant passenger when her vehicle crossed the centerline. She collided with a westbound 2021 Western Star tractor-trailer, driven by Douglas P. Millyard, 58, of Adrian, Michigan. Both drivers wore seat belts at the time.
The crash’s impact left the vehicles in the westbound lane. The infant passenger, secured in a rear-facing car seat, was taken to ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital but later died. Millyard was unharmed.
Alcohol and speed were not factors, the sheriff’s office reported. The crash is under investigation by Lt. Brian Quinn and other deputies.
Ida Township Fire Department, Monroe Community Ambulance, Michigan State Police, and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services responded. Anyone with information can contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office or leave an anonymous tip at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or visit 1800speakup.org.
