MILAN (WWJ) – A Waterford man has died after being hit by a funny car at Milan Dragway late Saturday afternoon.
Keith Hallett, 78, was standing near the car at the drag strip when he was hit. He was taken to Trinity Health Hospital in Ypsilanti, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. when a 31-year-old man from Holland, Mich., was driving a blue Chevy Camaro, Z28 Funny Car, according to the sheriff's office.
While he was driving in reverse in the right lane of the drag strip, the car's engine "experienced a mechanical malfunction," causing the vehicle to accelerate at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control and hit Hallett, who was standing at the rear of the vehicle.
The car continued in motion striking another Funny Car, which was staging, before coming to rest.
The driver was wearing safety apparel at the time of the crash and alcohol is not a factor.
Members of Huron Valley Ambulance, Monroe Community Ambulance, and the Milan Area Fire Department assisted at the scene. The crash remains under investigation by the sheriff's office.
Anyone with information is asked to call 734-240-7756. The National Hot Rod Association is also investigating.
