Emergency personnel and sheriff's deputies responded to a fatal single-vehicle collision on Wednesday afternoon, September 9, 2026, claiming the life of 50-year-old Brett Daniel Underwood

SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP, Michigan — Emergency personnel and sheriff's deputies responded to a fatal single-vehicle collision on Wednesday afternoon, September 9, 2026, claiming the life of 50-year-old Brett Daniel Underwood. As reported by ABC57 News, the fatal crash occurred at approximately 4:35 p.m. near the intersection of Garrett Road and M-152 in Cass County.

Single-Vehicle Impact on Garrett Road

According to preliminary investigation reports released by the Cass County Sheriff's Office, Mr. Underwood, a resident of Dowagiac, was operating a vehicle westbound on Garrett Road traveling from M-152. Deputies established that he lost control of the vehicle, causing it to leave the roadway and collide with a tree. The impact ejected Mr. Underwood from the vehicle. Responding first responders pronounced him deceased at the scene due to fatal trauma.

Investigation and Emergency Agency Response

Sheriff's investigators reported that Mr. Underwood was not wearing a safety belt at the time of the collision, noting that preliminary evidence suggests vehicle speed and alcohol impairment were contributing factors. Multiple regional agencies assisted at the crash site, including the Sister Lakes Fire Department, Dowagiac City Fire Department, SMCAS Ambulance, True’s Towing, and Cass County Animal Control. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the incident to finalize official findings.