BLOOMER TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) – One of two brothers involved in a buggy crash on Wednesday in Montcalm County has died from his injuries, according to sheriff’s officials.
Leighton Newswanger, 10, died after being taken to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital for treatment of his injuries. His brother, 13-year-old Landon Newswanger, who was also in the crash, was last listed in fair condition.
The crash happened just before 8 a.m. Wednesday the intersection of Fenwick Road and Miner Road in Bloomer Township, east of Greenville, according to a Montcalm County Sheriff’s Department news release.
Deputies say a 2011 GMC Terrain driven by a 23-year-old Hubbardston woman was heading eastbound on Fenwick Road when she hit the eastbound buggy.
Both of the Newswanger brothers were airlifted to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital for treatment.
The family told 24 Hour News 8 the children were on their way to school at the time of the crash.
The driver of the SUV was not injured during the crash. The horse was seriously injured and euthanized at the scene.
Deputies say speed doesn’t appear to be a factor, however, the morning sun may have played a role.