Local News
38-Year-Old Paul DeVito Killed in Fatal Crash on US-23 in Whiteford Township After SUV Strikes Semi-Trailer
WHITEFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A 38-year-old Florida man was killed Monday afternoon after his SUV crashed into the rear of a tractor-trailer on northbound U.S. 23 in Whiteford Township, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim has been identified as Paul M. DeVito, 38, of Plantation, Florida.
Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough said deputies responded to the crash at approximately 1:19 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, on northbound U.S. 23, just north of the U.S. 223 interchange in Whiteford Township.
According to the preliminary investigation, DeVito was driving a white 2021 Toyota RAV4 northbound in the right lane when, for reasons that remain under investigation, the SUV struck the rear of a trailer being pulled by a white 2024 Volvo semi-tractor.
The semi-truck was being operated by Herney D. Pena-Fajardo, 43, of Lenox, Massachusetts.
Investigators said the force of the collision caused the Toyota RAV4 to rotate counterclockwise several times, ejecting DeVito from the vehicle.
Both DeVito and the heavily damaged SUV came to rest in the east-side ditch along U.S. 23.
The tractor-trailer remained under control, and Pena-Fajardo safely brought the vehicle to a stop in the right travel lane.
Authorities noted that traffic in both northbound lanes was already heavily congested due to a lane closure located north of the crash scene at the time of the collision.
Emergency responders arrived and pronounced Paul M. DeVito dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver of the semi-truck, Herney D. Pena-Fajardo, was not injured and was released from the scene.
Investigators reported that both drivers were wearing their seat belts at the time of the collision.
The Toyota RAV4’s airbags deployed during the crash, while the driver’s airbag in the Volvo tractor did not deploy.
Authorities also confirmed that alcohol is not believed to have been a contributing factor in the fatal crash.
Numerous emergency response agencies assisted at the scene, including:
Summerfield Township Fire Department
Whiteford Township Fire Department
Monroe Community Ambulance
Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division
Michigan Department of Transportation
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Program
Responders worked to provide emergency assistance, manage traffic, and investigate the fatal collision.
The crash remains under investigation by Lieutenant Brian Quinn and Deputy Sheriffs Cody Carena and Alec Preadmore of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Division.
Anyone with information related to the collision is asked to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Division at 734-240-7541.
Investigators continue working to determine what caused the Toyota RAV4 to collide with the rear of the tractor-trailer.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.