RAY TWP. (WWJ) - A 28-year-old woman was killed, according to authorities, in a crash involving a deer in northern Macomb County.
The Macomb County Sheriff's Office said it happened at around 7:20 a.m. Tuesday, in the area of North Ave. and 31 Mile Rd. in Ray Township.
An investigation found that a silver Chevy Captiva was traveling southbound on North Ave., north of 31 Mile, when it hit a deer, throwing the animal into oncoming traffic.
The deer struck the windshield of a white Ford 500, entering the passenger compartment, and the car veered off the roadway and struck a tree.
The driver of the Ford, identified as Erika Lada of the St. Clair County village of Capac, was taken to a local hospital where she where she died from her injuries.
The Chevy driver, a 40-year-old Armada woman, was not hurt.
According to a news release, Ladas worked as a dispatcher for the Macomb County Sheriff's since January of 2019 and will be "greatly missed."
"Erika was an asset to the Macomb County Sheriff's Office in her short time here," Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said, in a statement. "She was a part of our law enforcement family. She worked diligently in dispatch to provide public safety to citizens in need. Our condolences are with her family."
It is unknown if seatbelts were worn at this time, officials said, and alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the crash.
The investigation is ongoing.
