Abbigal Garbers Obituary, Death – Authorities in Monroe County are investigating a tragic two-vehicle crash that resulted in the loss of a young woman’s life and left another driver with serious injuries. The incident occurred Monday evening in LaSalle Township, just south of Monroe, and is now under review by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
According to officials, the collision happened at approximately 5:28 p.m. on South Telegraph Road (U.S. 24) near West Stein Road. Deputies and emergency responders were called to the scene after receiving reports of a severe head-on crash involving two passenger vehicles.
The Sheriff’s Office identified the woman who passed away as 19-year-old Abbigal Garbers of Morenci, Lenawee County. Garbers had been driving a gray 2010 Toyota Corolla northbound on South Telegraph Road at the time of the incident. For reasons that investigators are still working to determine, deputies reported that Garbers’ vehicle crossed the centerline and entered the opposing lane of traffic. Her vehicle then collided head-on with a gray 2015 Hyundai Sonata traveling southbound.
The Hyundai was driven by 35-year-old Palmer G. Merkel of Temperance in Monroe County. The force of the impact left both vehicles disabled. Deputies said the Hyundai came to rest in the middle of the roadway, positioned toward the westbound direction, while the Toyota stopped along the southbound shoulder of the road, facing eastbound. The damage was substantial enough to require extended response from multiple emergency agencies.
Garbers was transported from the scene to ProMedica Toledo Hospital, where medical staff later pronounced her deceased. Her loss has affected loved ones, and authorities expressed sympathy for her family during this difficult time.
Merkel, the driver of the Hyundai, was taken to St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo to receive emergency treatment. As of the latest update, he remained hospitalized in serious condition. Officials have not provided additional details on his long-term prognosis but emphasized that he is receiving appropriate care.
Deputies confirmed that both drivers were wearing seat belts, a detail noted as part of the ongoing investigation. Although seat belt use is known to significantly reduce the risk of severe injury, authorities explained that the nature of a head-on collision can still lead to critical outcomes even when safety equipment is used properly.
A coordinated emergency response followed the crash. The LaSalle Township Volunteer Fire Department, Monroe Community Ambulance, and the Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Program and Victim Services Unit assisted on scene. Their roles included medical care, traffic control, emotional support for those affected, and ensuring the roadway was safely cleared.
At this stage of the investigation, deputies have identified driver inattention as a possible contributing factor, though they stressed that the review remains active. Investigators will continue examining roadway evidence, witness accounts, and vehicle data to determine more clearly what led to the collision.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could support the investigation to come forward. Community assistance often plays an important role in helping investigators establish an accurate picture of the events surrounding serious traffic incidents.
Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the Traffic Services Division at 734-240-7548. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can share tips through Crime Stoppers of Michigan by calling 800-SPEAK-UP. Callers are not required to provide their identity, and any information offered will be directed to investigators handling the case.
As the investigation moves forward, authorities will share updates when appropriate. In the meantime, they ask the community to keep the affected families in their thoughts as they cope with the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident.
