NEWS RELEASE

Grand Rapids Police Department

APPROVED: Bk #202 FOR RELEASE: 09/03/12 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Ofc. Bill Keiser Phone: 456-4282 Fax: 12-86992 2 VEHICLE SERIOUS INJURY CRASH UPDATE (09/13/12)

On Wednesday 9/12/12 the Grand Rapids Police Special Services Unit was contacted by the Kent County Medical Examiners Office to advise that rear seat passenger Caitlin Hendren, 19 years old from Byron Center was removed from life support and died at 9:54 PM at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital. Ms. Hendren sustained severe head injuries resulting from this crash. This crash is remains under investigation and anyone with information can contact the Grand Rapids Police Special Services Unit. Grand Rapids Police responded to 28TH St/Eastern Ave SE at approximately 0425 hours on Monday September 03, 2012 for a 2 motor vehicle crash. A Mercury Sable station wagon was traveling south on Eastern and collided with a cargo truck traveling east on 28th St. At this time it appears the south bound vehicle failed to stop at the red flashing signal. Five occupants from the Mercury Sable were transported to area hospitals. Two of the rear seat passengers are listed in critical condition. One is at Spectrum Butterworth and the other at Saint Marys. The other three occupants were treated and released. The driver of the truck was transported to Saint Marys Hospital where he was treated and released. Names will be released at a later time as the investigation continues.

Neither speed nor alcohol are believed to be factors in this crash. The crash remains under investigation by the Grand Rapids Police Department Special Services Unit. Anyone with information can call the Grand Rapids Police Department at 456-4282 or Silent Observer at 774-2345. Ofc. Bill Keiser Ofc. Scott Bylsma

1 Monroe Center, N.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-2906