A 58-year-old Indiana man, Jimmy Cunningham Jr., lost his life in a multi-vehicle crash early Friday morning on Interstate 196 in Berrien County, Michigan. The tragic incident unfolded around 5:10 a.m. near Hagar Shore Road in Hagar Township, involving a pickup truck pulling a camper, a Chevrolet Equinox, and a semi-truck with dual dump trailers.
The crash began when a Dodge pickup truck towing a camper was overtaken by another vehicle on the left. According to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, the passing vehicle suddenly swerved toward the Dodge, forcing its driver to lose control. The Dodge collided with a guardrail and jackknifed, blocking both lanes of traffic.
Jimmy Cunningham Jr., driving a Chevrolet Equinox, attempted to avoid the jackknifed Dodge but struck it before crashing into a guardrail. His vehicle came to rest on the left shoulder. Moments later, a semi-truck hauling gravel approached the scene, but the driver couldn’t stop in time. The semi struck the Equinox, causing its rear trailer to overturn and spill gravel across the road, creating further chaos.
Emergency responders found Cunningham unresponsive and trapped in his vehicle. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported, but authorities have not disclosed the conditions of the other drivers involved.
The unidentified vehicle that initially swerved toward the Dodge pickup remains at large. Investigators are asking the public for assistance in identifying the vehicle and its driver. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office at 269-983-3060 or the detective bureau at 269-983-7141, extension 7224.
Authorities confirmed that road conditions, drugs, or alcohol were not contributing factors in the crash. The investigation is ongoing as officials work to piece together the circumstances leading to the collision and locate the unidentified vehicle. The loss of Cunningham, a Mishawaka resident, has left the community in mourning and serves as a reminder of the need for caution and attentiveness while driving.