Webberville, Michigan — Ingham County Authorities Identify Pedestrian Fatally Struck by Semi on I-96 as Timothy Meagher, 58
A tragic incident on Sunday afternoon has left the Webberville community in mourning following the death of 58-year-old Timothy Meagher, who was struck and killed by a semi-truck on Interstate 96 westbound near the M-52 overpass in Ingham County.
According to a statement from the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:45 a.m. after receiving reports of a pedestrian being struck by a large commercial vehicle. Responding units from both the sheriff’s department and the Northeast Ingham Emergency Services Authority (NIESA) arrived to find Meagher’s body on the highway.
Details of the Incident
Following a preliminary investigation, deputies reported that Meagher had walked into the westbound lanes of I-96 for reasons that remain unclear. It was at that point that he was struck by an oncoming semi-truck. The driver of the truck remained at the scene and is said to be cooperating fully with investigators. No other injuries were reported in the incident.
The highway was immediately closed to traffic to allow for an extensive on-site investigation and to clear the scene safely. The closure lasted until approximately 3:43 p.m., with traffic being diverted during that time.
The Ingham Regional Crash Investigation Team, along with the Ingham County Medical Examiner’s Office, assisted in the investigation and confirmed Meagher’s identity shortly after.
Ongoing Investigation
At this time, the motive or reason behind Meagher’s decision to enter the roadway has not been publicly disclosed. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a medical episode, mental health crisis, or other contributing factors. Toxicology results and a full autopsy are pending.
The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation and has issued a public request for any witnesses or drivers who may have been in the area at the time of the crash to come forward with information.
Anyone with details is urged to contact Deputy Ben Manns at (517) 676-8444.
Community Reaction and Remembrance
News of Meagher’s tragic death has shaken the small community of Webberville, where he was known as a quiet, hardworking man. Neighbors describe him as someone who mostly kept to himself but was always polite and respectful. As word of the accident spread, expressions of shock and sorrow emerged across social media platforms, with many sending condolences to his family and expressing concern over the circumstances of the incident.
“He was a familiar face in town,” one longtime resident shared. “This just doesn’t seem real. It’s heartbreaking.”
Friends and family are said to be devastated by the sudden loss and are asking for privacy during this difficult time. No memorial or funeral arrangements have yet been announced.
A Reminder of Roadway Safety and Mental Health Awareness
This tragedy has reignited conversations around pedestrian safety on highways, as well as the importance of mental health support. Interstate highways are not designed for pedestrian access, and walking into high-speed traffic zones is not only dangerous but often deadly.
Local authorities are reminding residents that help is always available for those experiencing mental health crises. The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, reachable by dialing 988, provides free and confidential support 24/7 for people in distress.
Closing Thoughts
As the investigation continues and the community processes the loss of one of its own, the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to uncovering the full story behind this tragedy. Timothy Meagher’s life, though ended abruptly and tragically, is now being remembered by those who knew him — not by the moment of his death, but by the quiet life he lived in a small Michigan town.
