MI Mom, 19, Infant Child Killed In Head-On Crash: Sheriff

MONROE COUNTY, MI — A 19-year-old mom and her infant child were killed in a Monroe County crash Tuesday morning, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

The crash happened at 8:29 a.m. Tuesday on S. Custer Road near Lewis Avenue in Raisinville Township, according to the sheriff's office.

Officials said 19-year-old Journee Padgett, of Jackson, was driving a white 2015 Chevrolet Malibu east on S. Custer Road with her infant child in the rear passenger seat.

Padgett then crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a 2021 Western Star Tractor that was moving west on the roadway near Lewis Avenue, according to the sheriff's office.

Padgett was killed in the crash and her infant child was taken to a nearby hospital where she later died, according to the sheriff's office.

The driver of the semi truck, 58-year-old Douglas Millyard, of Adrian, was not injured in the crash, according to the sheriff's office.

Investigators said Padgett and Millyard were both wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash. They also said Padgett's infant child was also properly secured in a rear-facing car seat.

Investigators do not know why Padgett crossed the centerline while driving east on S. Custer Road.

Investigators said alcohol and speed were not factors in the crash.

Police were still investigating the crash and asked anyone with information to call the sheriff's office at 734-240-7557.