COTTRELLVILLE TOWNSHIP, MI — A fatal two-vehicle crash claimed the life of a Clay Township man on Wednesday afternoon, April 9. Authorities responded to the scene at the intersection of Shea and Starville roads in St. Clair County around 4 p.m. following reports of a vehicle rollover and a person trapped inside.
The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 52-year-old Joseph Richard Quesnell was the driver killed in the crash. Quesnell was operating a 2024 Ford Ranger southbound on Starville Road and had come to a complete stop at the intersection before proceeding through. As he entered the intersection, his vehicle was struck by a westbound 2019 Ram pickup truck.
The force of the impact caused extensive damage to the Ford Ranger, and Quesnell was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. Authorities stated that despite their best efforts, there was no possibility of saving him. His family has been notified, and the community is rallying around them in the wake of this devastating loss.
The driver of the Ram, a 25-year-old man also from Clay Township, remained on the scene and is cooperating fully with investigators. At this time, authorities have ruled out alcohol, drugs, and excessive speed as contributing factors in the collision. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement works to determine the exact sequence of events.
Sheriff’s deputies are reviewing video evidence from the scene, analyzing road conditions, and speaking with witnesses in order to build a complete picture of what led to the tragic crash. Officials say their goal is to identify all contributing factors and assess whether any improvements can be made to prevent future accidents at the intersection.
The loss of Joseph Quesnell has left a deep impact on the community, particularly among those who knew him in Clay Township. Local residents have expressed their condolences, and many are remembering him as a kind and familiar face in the area. His death serves as a painful reminder of the unpredictability of road accidents and the need for constant caution behind the wheel.
As the investigation continues, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward. In the meantime, the community mourns the loss of a man taken too soon, and support continues to pour in for his grieving family.