Austin Carter Dies After Being Struck by a Vehicle Near Garver Lake Rd.

CASS COUNTY, Mich. – A tragic accident on the evening of September 27 resulted in the death of 30-year-old Austin Carter from Elkhart, Indiana. The Edwardsburg Police Department reported that officers were dispatched to the scene of the crash at approximately 8:55 p.m. on US 12 near Garver Lake Road after receiving calls about a collision involving a bicyclist and a vehicle.

According to the initial investigation, Carter was riding his bike eastbound on US 12 when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle driven by 74-year-old Robert Litty of Edwardsburg, Michigan. Authorities noted that Carter was wearing dark clothing and his bike had no reflective lights, making it difficult for drivers to see him in the dark.

Emergency personnel from Edwardsburg Ambulance Service quickly responded to the scene. Carter was transported to Elkhart Memorial Hospital for treatment, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. The accident has left both the Elkhart and Edwardsburg communities mourning the loss of Carter, a young man whose life was cut short in this tragic incident.

Investigators believe that low visibility caused by Carter’s dark clothing and lack of reflective lighting on his bicycle were significant factors contributing to the crash. The Edwardsburg Police Department is reminding cyclists of the importance of wearing visible clothing and equipping their bicycles with proper lights, especially when riding at night or in low-light conditions.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Ontwa Township-Edwardsburg Police Department, with assistance from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, and the Edwardsburg Fire Department. No charges have been filed at this time, but authorities are continuing to gather information to better understand the circumstances that led to the fatal accident.

Anyone with information related to the crash is urged to contact the Edwardsburg Police Department or the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, officials hope to learn more about the incident and use it to prevent future accidents on local roads.