Buckeye Township, Michigan — Aaron B. Eagleson should have been heading home Monday afternoon. Instead he became the life lost in a violent three‑vehicle collision at the crossroads of West Howard Road and South River Road. The 42‑year‑old Beaverton man died at the scene after another vehicle crashed into his, sparking grief and questions through the close‑knit community.
It was about 4:40 p.m. when an 86‑year‑old woman driving a 2001 Buick LeSabre failed to stop at a stop sign while traveling south on South River Road. Her car slammed into a 2018 Ford F‑250 pickup truck driven by a 23‑year‑old Beaverton man. That initial impact set off a chain reaction nobody saw coming.
The force of the first crash sent the pickup into Eagleson’s 2017 Buick Encore. Eagleson’s vehicle was waiting to turn north onto South River Road when it was hit. Responders worked desperately, but despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead where he sat.
The drivers of the LeSabre and the pickup both survived with injuries doctors described as non‑life‑threatening. They were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Investigators closed the intersection for hours as the Michigan State Police accident reconstruction team combed the scene for clues and details.
Authorities said alcohol might have played a role in how events unfolded, though they have not confirmed that as a final finding. The sheriff’s office is still piecing together evidence that will be turned over to the county prosecutor’s office to consider possible charges.
Friends and neighbors in Beaverton and beyond reacted with sorrow. Eagleson was remembered as someone who cared about his community and family, a quiet presence whose absence will be felt in many homes.
Local law enforcement also reminded people to speak respectfully about the crash online and to keep Eagleson’s family in mind as they mourn.
