On Friday, Apr. 24, 2026, at approximately 12:13 p.m., deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash with injuries near the intersection of Perry Avenue and Venlo Drive in Big Rapids Township.

The investigation revealed that a 19-year-old woman from Cedar Springs was exiting the Marshalls parking lot onto Perry Avenue, when she failed to yield to oncoming traffic. Her vehicle was struck by a westbound-travlling truck driven by a 57-year-old woman from Canadian Lakes.

The 19-year-old driver sustained serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. She was transported by Mecosta County EMS to the hospital in Big Rapids and was later airlifted to Butterworth Hospital for further treatment.

The 57-year-old driver sustained minor injuries, was evaluated at the scene by first responders before being released. At this time, names and additional details are being withheld as the crash remains under investigation.

Assisting agencies included Big Rapids City Fire/Rescue, Colfax Township Fire Department, Mecosta County EMS, Mecosta County Sheriff’s Posse, Mecosta County Crash Investigation Unit, Curries Towing and Meceola Central Dispatch.

_{Release courtesy of Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.}