Traffic Fatality from Head-On Collision

On Wednesday, March 13, at 4:50 p.m., Lapeer County 911 dispatched Lapeer County Sheriff’s Deputies to an injury traffic crash on eastbound I-69, east of Lake Nepessing Road, in Lapeer (Elba Township- Lapeer County).
Investigators determined that 31-year-old Derek Hockin from Lapeer was the driver and lone occupant of a 2011 Chev Cruze. Hockin was traveling westbound I-69. Hockin departed the westbound lanes and traveled through the grassy median. Hockin’s vehicle entered eastbound I-69 traveling in the wrong direction.
Hockin struck a westbound 2011 Ford Explorer driven by a 22-year-old female from Lapeer. The 22 year old driver was the lone occupant of this vehicle. Collision was considered “head on”.
The collision caused the 2011 Ford Explorer to rotate and come to rest within the traveled portion of the expressway. The Chevy Cruze also rotated and came to rest along the south shoulder of the expressway.
Elba Township Fire Department responded to extricate both drivers. Lapeer County EMS transported the 22-year-old to McLaren Lapeer Regional Hospital, where they remained hospitalized and listed in stable condition. Hockin was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Lapeer County Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Michigan State Police Lapeer Post, City of Lapeer Police Department, Lapeer Township Police, Metamora Township Police, Elba Township Fire and Rescue, Lapeer County EMS, and the Lapeer County Reconstruction Team.
The eastbound lanes of I-69 were closed for approximately 2 1⁄2 hours for rescue and investigative purposes.
This crash remains under investigation by Lapeer County Sheriff’s Deputies. Preliminary investigation suggests that neither impairment nor excessive speeds are contributing factors. A medical condition was identified and is being explored as a potential contributing factor.