Local News
Summerfield High School Student Conor Harrigan Killed in Polaris Ranger Rollover Crash in Monroe County
SUMMERFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A 16-year-old Summerfield High School student was killed Friday evening after the off-road utility vehicle he was driving overturned in a private field in Monroe County, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities and school officials identified the victim as Conor Harrigan, 16, of Petersburg, whose death has left the Summerfield community mourning the loss of a beloved student.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 5:24 p.m. Friday in the 19700 block of Taft Road in Summerfield Township.
A preliminary investigation determined that Harrigan was operating a blue-and-black 2021 Polaris Ranger in a private field located south of Taft Road. Two juvenile passengers were also riding in the utility vehicle at the time of the crash.
Investigators said Harrigan was negotiating a curve when he lost control of the Polaris, causing it to leave the main path. As he attempted to steer the vehicle back onto its intended course, the Polaris overturned onto its left side, ejecting all three occupants.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but Harrigan suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The two juvenile passengers sustained injuries that were initially believed to be minor. They were treated at the scene and released by emergency personnel.
As a precaution, both juveniles were later transported by their parents to a Metro Detroit hospital for further medical evaluation. Authorities have not released their identities or the extent of their injuries.
Investigators said none of the three occupants was wearing a seat belt at the time of the rollover.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office also reported that alcohol is not believed to have been a contributing factor in the crash.
Following Harrigan’s death, Summerfield Junior/Senior High School released a statement expressing condolences to his family and the school community.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of one of our beloved Summerfield High School students, Conor Harrigan. Our hearts are with Conor’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone impacted by this heartbreaking loss.”
School officials said they are providing opportunities for students, staff, and community members to gather in remembrance of Harrigan and support one another during this difficult time. They also asked the community to continue keeping the Harrigan family in their thoughts.
The crash remains under investigation by Lt. Brian Quinn and Deputies Cody Carena and Hunter Chirillo of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Division.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Division at 734-240-7548 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal rollover, and additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — A 62-year-old man was killed Wednesday morning after a small aircraft crashed in a field in the Whiton community of DeKalb County, Alabama, authorities said.
The victim was identified as Douglas Emge, 62, of Whiton. Emergency crews responded to the crash along County Road 3, where the single-engine aircraft came down behind the Whitton water tank.
According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, emergency personnel were dispatched to the area following reports of the aircraft crash. DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Posey confirmed that one person died in the incident.
An FAA spokesperson said a Van’s RV-4 crashed in a field near Albertville at approximately 6:50 a.m. The aircraft had only one person aboard, and Emge was the pilot.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also participating. Investigators will work to determine what caused the aircraft to go down.
Officials have not released a cause of the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing. Additional information is expected as investigators examine the aircraft, crash site and other available evidence.
The City of Albertville issued a statement mourning Emge, describing him as a longtime and prominent member of the Albertville Regional Airport community.
According to the city, Doug Emge was the face of Albertville Regional Airport for more than 30 years and was the founder and sole owner of Albertville Aviation, which operated the airport’s fixed-base operator, or FBO.
The city said Emge was known for helping pilots, flight crews and passengers who arrived at the airport, providing assistance with fuel, rental cars, lodging and recommendations in the community.
Albertville officials also described Emge as a Marine veteran, pilot, husband, father and grandfather. The city extended its condolences to his wife, Stacy, his family and the staff and colleagues at Albertville Regional Airport.
The City of Albertville said Emge’s contributions to the airport, the city and the wider Sand Mountain community would not soon be forgotten.
Emergency crews and investigators remained at the scene as authorities continued their response.
Officials asked members of the public to avoid the area while emergency personnel work at the crash site and the investigation gets underway.
The cause of the fatal DeKalb County plane crash remains under investigation by the NTSB and FAA.