Michigan Father and Son Killed After Amtrak Train Collision at Grand Trunk Western Crossing
(Lapeer, Michigan – September 27, 2024)
A Michigan driver and passenger were killed last month after their vehicle was struck by an Amtrak Passenger train. The collision occurred Friday, September 27th, at about 10:26 pm on a railroad-highway crossing owned and controlled by Grand Trunk Western Railroad. The crossing is located on Main Street near Cramton Park.
The driver and passenger of the vehicle have been identified as Lapeer residents, 61-year-old Richard Griggs and his 39-year-old son, Marcus Griggs. According to reports from the Lapeer City Police Department, Richard was driving his 2003 Chevy S-10 north on Main Street when the vehicle failed to stop at the crossing and was struck by the oncoming eastbound Amtrack train. Both father and son were transported to McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital for treatment. Richard Griggs was pronounced deceased shortly afterward, and Marcus Griggs was transferred to Hurley Medical Center in Flint, where he sadly passed away due to injuries sustained in the collision.
According to Grand Trunk Western’s records, an average of 17 trains travel through this crossing daily at speeds up to 65 mph.
The local police are still investigating this collision.