Michigan truck driver dies in fiery crash

Van Wert independent/OSHP information

A Michigan truck driver was killed when her semi tractor-trailer rig crashed and burned on U.S. 127 early Wednesday morning.

Lavern Garrett, 51, of Taylor, Mich., was pronounced dead at the scene by Van Wert County Coroner Dr. Scott Jarvis and her body was taken to Van Wert County Hospital by Brickner’s Ambulance Service.

According to troopers from the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Garrett was driving a 2006 Freightliner semi rig northbound on U.S. 127 at about 5:25 a.m. Wednesday when the truck drifted off the right side of the highway near the intersection with Wren-Landeck Road and struck a gravel driveway. The rig then continued on and hit several trees before becoming engulfed in fire right after the vehicle rolled to a stop.

The Patrol was also assisted by the Ohio City Volunteer Fire Department and the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department.

The crash remains under investigation, but alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. It is not known whether a seatbelt was being used.