Three Dead After Accident on I-96

Three people died after a multiple vehicle crash, that shut down westbound I-96 for approximately four hours Sunday evening, according to a press release from the Livingston County Sheriff’s department.

According to the report, at approximately 5:20 p.m. Sunday, George Tissen, 54, from Fowlerville crossed the median while driving eastbound on I-96 in Howell striking a 2007 Ford Taurus driven by Legrand Bloomstine, 57, from Wyoming, Mich.

Tissen was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police, while Bloomstine was transported to University of Michigan Hospital where he was last listed in serious condition.

Bloomstine’s two passengers included his wife Susan, 49, and Charles Wright, 80, also of Wyoming. Wright was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the report, while Susan Bloomstine was transported to the University of Michigan Hospital where she later died from her injuries.

Police say that Tissen may have suffered from a medical problem just before crossing into oncoming traffic and causing the accident. Police also say they are still investigating the use of seat belts and whether alcohol was involved.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by troopers from the Michigan State Police Brighton Post along with officers from the Department of Natural Resources, Howell Police Department, Fowlerville Police Department and the Howell Area Fire Department.

The accident remains under investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff Department.