Montcalm Co. man dies after falling from truck tailgate.

Montcalm Co. man dies after falling from truck tailgate.

This story has been updated.

BRANCH TOWNSHIP — A 47-year-old Crystal (Montcalm County) man died Sunday evening after falling from the tailgate of a moving pickup truck and striking his head on the roadway. The incident occurred about 6:58 p.m. near the intersection of Landon and Young roads.

According to Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole, preliminary findings indicate that a 2012 Dodge pickup truck, driven by a 42-year-old Grand Rapids man, was eastbound on Young Road when the driver’s sandal apparently became stuck on the gas pedal. Several people were riding in the bed of the pickup and three additional were riding on the tailgate, including the 47-year-old victim who fell off the truck and struck his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The case remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.  Speed appears to have played a role in the crash and alcohol does not, Cole said. 

Responding emergency units included Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Branch Township Fire Department, and Life EMS.

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