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.
Local News
Jimmy Brooks Killed in Wrong-Way Tesla Crash on I-26 in Buncombe County, Driver Bradley Vance Charged
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — Jimmy Lee Brooks, 42, of Leicester, North Carolina, died after a wrong-way Tesla crash involving three vehicles on Interstate 26 near Asheville on Thursday afternoon, October 22, 2026.
Several other people were injured in the collision, and the Tesla driver has been charged in connection with the fatal crash.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Bradley Vance Lanier, 54, of Taylors, South Carolina, was driving a Tesla westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-26 near Exit 37 when the vehicle struck a Honda SUV head-on before colliding with a Honda passenger car.
Brooks was a passenger in the Honda passenger car. He was transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said troopers responded to the crash at approximately 2:30 p.m. Thursday near mile marker 37 on eastbound I-26.
According to the agency’s statement, the Tesla entered the interstate traveling west in the eastbound lanes near Exit 37, also associated with Long Shoals Road. The vehicle first struck a Honda SUV head-on and then collided with a Honda passenger car.
A trooper from a neighboring county arrived shortly after the collision and began providing assistance to a passenger inside the Honda passenger car.
The car’s driver and two passengers were transported to Mission Hospital with serious injuries. Brooks was among the passengers and later died at the hospital. Authorities said the conditions of the other occupants were not immediately known.
The driver of the Honda SUV was also taken to Mission Hospital with minor injuries and was later released.
Lanier, the driver of the Tesla, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Mission Hospital before being released, according to the Highway Patrol.
Troopers subsequently charged him with four offenses:
- Driving while impaired (DWI)
- Felony death by vehicle
- Felony serious injury
- Reckless driving
Following his release from the hospital, Lanier was taken to the Buncombe County Detention Facility, where he was being held on a $5 million secured bond, according to the agency’s statement.
The charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the court system. The official statement does not establish a conviction.
Interstate 26 was closed for approximately two hours while troopers investigated the collision and documented the scene.
The investigation centers on the circumstances that led the Tesla to travel in the wrong direction on the eastbound side of the interstate and the subsequent collisions involving the two Honda vehicles.
Authorities have not released the current medical conditions of all the injured occupants.
The fatal crash claimed the life of Brooks, a Leicester resident, and left several other people requiring hospital treatment.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the collision. Further information about the case may be released as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.