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
No Survivors After Small Plane Crashes in Flames at Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Missouri
CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. — Authorities are responding to a small aircraft crash in Lake of the Ozarks State Park after the plane went down near Public Beach Drive on Tuesday, November 3. Officials say no survivors are expected.
Osage Beach Mayor Richard Ross said he received information from city staff indicating that at least two people were aboard the aircraft when it crashed.
According to Ross, the plane had taken off from Lee C. Fine Airport, located within Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The aircraft reportedly crashed a short time after departure and was found engulfed in flames.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that troopers were responding to the incident. At approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday, Troop F reported that the aircraft was fully engulfed in flames near Public Beach Drive in Camden County.
Public Beach Drive is located southwest of Lee C. Fine Airport, the reported departure point of the aircraft.
Airport personnel were unable to provide additional information about the crash.
The number and identities of those aboard have not been officially confirmed in the information currently available. Authorities have also not released details about the aircraft, the circumstances leading up to the crash, or the cause of the incident.
Emergency crews are responding as the investigation continues. Additional information, including official confirmation of fatalities and victim identities, is expected to be released by authorities.