Jose Henandez Obituary, Death – A tragic incident unfolded early Saturday morning in Berrien County, Michigan, when a man was struck and killed by a semi-truck on Interstate 94. The accident occurred just before 4 a.m. in the eastbound lanes near mile marker 14.2, close to Browntown Road in Lake Township. Authorities were dispatched to the scene following a report of a collision involving a pedestrian and a large commercial vehicle.
Upon arrival, first responders found the body of the victim, later identified as 35-year-old Jose Hernandez of Sawyer, Michigan. He was pronounced dead at the scene. According to initial reports, Hernandez had been walking for some distance during the night and, for reasons still unclear, ended up on the interstate where he was ultimately struck.
The driver of the semi-truck, who hails from Dearborn, Michigan, told law enforcement that at first he believed he had hit an animal. It was only after he stopped his vehicle and walked back to check that he realized it was a person lying on the road. The driver was unharmed in the incident and remained at the scene to cooperate with investigators.
Authorities from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department responded promptly and turned the case over to their Traffic Crash Unit. The specialized team is now working to determine the exact circumstances that led to Hernandez being on the highway in the early hours of the morning. Although investigators have confirmed that Hernandez had been walking for some time, the reasons behind his presence on the interstate remain unknown.
At this point in the investigation, there is no indication that alcohol or drugs were involved in the crash. Officials have not disclosed whether Hernandez was impaired or whether the semi driver was subjected to any standard sobriety tests, but early findings suggest no substance use is suspected on either side.
The case remains active, and authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Hernandez walking near the area before the crash or who may have relevant information to come forward. Investigators are also reviewing any available traffic camera footage and vehicle data that may provide further insight into how the fatal collision occurred.
Local residents of Sawyer and surrounding communities expressed their sorrow at the loss. While not much is publicly known about Hernandez’s background at this time, the news of his death has raised questions and concerns among those who knew him. Many are wondering what may have led him to be walking along the interstate, which is generally not considered safe or typical for pedestrians, especially during the pre-dawn hours.
Semi-truck drivers frequently travel I-94, a major east-west route that runs through Michigan, and the combination of limited visibility in the early morning and high speeds makes the road particularly dangerous for anyone on foot. Law enforcement officials have emphasized the dangers of walking on or near highways, noting that such areas are not designed for pedestrian access and pose serious risks to life and safety.
The semi driver involved in the crash has not been named, and authorities have not indicated any wrongdoing on his part. From all accounts, he acted responsibly after the collision, stopping immediately, notifying the authorities, and cooperating with the ongoing investigation. No citations have been issued at this time.
This tragic incident has renewed calls from public safety officials to increase awareness about the hazards of walking along highways, especially in low-light conditions. It also highlights the challenges faced by truck drivers, who must remain vigilant but may not always have enough time or space to react to unexpected obstacles in the road.
As the investigation continues, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office is expected to conduct further interviews, analyze any additional evidence, and possibly consult forensic experts to build a complete picture of the events leading up to the crash. Depending on what they find, more information may be released to the public in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the community is left mourning the sudden loss of a life under tragic and puzzling circumstances. For now, friends, family, and residents can only wait for more details to emerge while honoring the memory of Jose Hernandez.
In the absence of definitive answers, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of roadway safety — not only for drivers but also for anyone who may find themselves near traffic. Whether due to an emergency, a personal situation, or some other unknown reason, Hernandez’s presence on I-94 remains a question investigators are determined to answer.
Authorities continue to ask for the public’s help and remind motorists to remain alert, especially during the early morning hours when visibility is low. More details will be shared as the investigation develops.
