Montez Dallas Watson, Tyreke Martez Johnson Obituary, Death: Authorities have released the names of the two men who lost their lives in a tragic crash that took place Monday morning on Interstate 94, just west of Jackson, Michigan.
According to Darin McIntosh, Director of Public Safety for the Blackman-Leoni Township Department, the victims were identified as Montez Dallas Watson, 30, of Sterling Heights, and Tyreke Martez Johnson, 22, of Warren. Both men were inside the cab of a box truck that collided with the rear end of a gravel hauler semi-truck that had slowed down on the highway.
The Michigan Department of Transportation reported that the crash occurred at approximately 9:15 a.m. The box truck was traveling along I-94 when, for reasons that are still under investigation, it crashed into the back of the semi. The impact was severe, and both men inside the truck sustained fatal injuries.
The collision prompted a significant emergency response. Due to the severity of the crash, authorities were forced to shut down a stretch of I-94 at Airport Road. The closure lasted for nearly eight hours, causing major traffic delays in the area while crews worked to investigate the scene, clear the wreckage, and ensure the roadway was safe to reopen.
Crews were finally able to reopen the interstate around 4:30 p.m., restoring traffic flow after a long day of disruption. The closure underscored the seriousness of the crash and the effort required to safely manage the aftermath.
Details about what caused the box truck to strike the slower-moving semi have not yet been released. Authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine whether speed, distraction, mechanical failure, or other factors played a role in the fatal collision.
The loss of Montez Watson and Tyreke Johnson has left their families and communities grieving. Friends and loved ones are now mourning two lives cut short in a sudden and devastating accident.
No further details have been made public about the company operating the box truck or whether either vehicle was carrying cargo at the time of the crash. Investigators are expected to review surveillance footage, conduct interviews, and examine vehicle data to piece together what led up to the deadly impact.
Officials have not reported any injuries to the driver of the gravel hauler semi-truck. It remains unclear whether that individual required medical attention or was involved in contributing to the crash in any way.
As the investigation continues, police urge drivers to remain cautious on highways, especially in areas with heavy traffic or changing road conditions. Monday’s incident serves as a somber reminder of how quickly lives can be lost on the road and highlights the importance of vigilance behind the wheel.