BLACKMAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Authorities have identified the two individuals who died in a fatal crash on Monday, June 9, along Interstate 94 in Jackson County. The collision, which occurred beneath the Airport Road overpass, involved a box truck and a semitrailer and resulted in the deaths of both men inside the truck.
The victims have been named as 30-year-old Montez Dallas Watson of Sterling Heights and 22-year-old Tyreke Martez Johnson of Warren. According to Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety Director Darin McIntosh, Watson was driving a box truck westbound on I-94 when it struck the back of a semitrailer. The impact was severe, and both Watson and Johnson were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators reported that the semitrailer was hauling two trailers filled with gravel. The truck driver, whose name has not been released, did not suffer any injuries in the crash. Authorities believe the semitrailer may have slowed down due to heavy traffic, which is common during that time of day on the interstate.
At this stage in the investigation, officials are unsure why the box truck failed to stop in time. There is no confirmation yet as to whether speed, distraction, or any mechanical issues were contributing factors. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities hoping to gather more information to piece together the final moments leading up to the deadly crash.
The crash resulted in the closure of I-94 for approximately seven hours as emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene. Traffic was rerouted, and motorists faced long delays as the wreckage was cleared. Despite the intensity of the crash, officials confirmed that the Airport Road overpass did not sustain any structural damage.
News of the accident has devastated families and friends of the victims, both of whom were from southeastern Michigan. Tributes have poured in online as loved ones mourn the loss of two young lives. Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage to contact the Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety to aid in the ongoing investigation.
