Family of Teen Killed in Cass County Crash Demands Four-Way Stop

A Tragic Loss and a Call for Change

Less than a week has passed since 15-year-old Kollin Grover lost his life after riding his dirt bike into the path of an oncoming truck in Cass County, Michigan. The incident occurred at the intersection of Hospital Street and Mullen Road, located southwest of Cassopolis. This tragic event has sparked a conversation about road safety and the need for changes in the area.

Dirt bikes are typically not permitted on public roads in Michigan, and this fact is not disputed by the Grover family. However, they believe that the location of the accident was particularly dangerous. Kayla Grover, Kollin’s sister, shared her thoughts during an exclusive interview, expressing a desire to bring attention to the issue and push for change.

“I want to get this message out because I feel now is a time for change,” Kayla said. “I want to be able to prevent anyone from having to go through what I’m going through.”

Kollin was riding his dirt bike at the time of the accident. According to police, he did not yield to oncoming traffic while crossing the intersection. As a result, he was struck by a truck traveling east on Hospital Street. By the time emergency responders arrived, Kollin had already passed away.

Kayla recalled the events leading up to the tragedy. On the day of the accident, she was taking her driving test and had called Kollin earlier that morning. She asked him to take care of her fair pig, and they exchanged words of love before parting ways. That would be the last time she spoke to him.

“We’ve been there pretty much our whole lives, and that intersection everybody in the town of Cassopolis or anyone that has been through there knows that that’s a really rough intersection,” Kayla said.

When asked if Kollin was wearing a helmet during the crash, Kayla shared some conflicting information. “His helmet was not on him when they found him, so the assumption was made that he did not have a helmet on. But the helmet was found, indicating that he had been wearing his helmet,” she explained.

Despite the legal restrictions on dirt bikes, the Grover family believes the intersection poses significant risks. They are advocating for several changes to improve safety. One of their main requests is for the intersection to become a four-way stop. Kayla believes that the current setup contributes to speeding and accidents.

“I would like for that intersection to become a four-way stop,” she said. “I believe that because it’s not a four-way stop, and with other people who have told me and seeing it with my own eyes living in Cass for so long, I know that people often speed down that road.”

In addition to a four-way stop, the family is also calling for flashing lights to be added to the existing stop signs. These measures, they hope, will help drivers slow down and pay more attention to the road.

To further understand the concerns of local residents, we visited the intersection and spoke with neighbors who live nearby. They mentioned that speed is a major issue, as well as poor visibility. Another problem they highlighted is the lack of signs indicating hidden driveways, which can create unexpected hazards for drivers.

We reached out to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office for their perspective on the incident but have not yet received a response. The family is continuing to push for changes, hoping that their efforts will lead to safer conditions for others in the community.

The Grover family’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for ongoing dialogue about how to make public spaces safer for everyone. Their call for change reflects a deep desire to prevent similar tragedies in the future.