On Sunday August 12th, 2012 at approximately 5:20 p.m. deputies with the Livingston County Sheriff Department were dispatched to westbound I-96 west of Highland Road in Howell Township on the report of a multiple vehicle injury crash.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that 54 year old George Tissen of Fowlerville was traveling eastbound on I-96 in a Green 2002 Ford Ranger. Tissen crossed the median of I-96 into the westbound lanes where he struck a Blue 2007 Ford Taurus in the center lane. The Ford Taurus was being driven by 57 year old Legrand Bloomstine of Wyoming, Michigan.
Tissen was pronounced deceased at the scene along with Bloomstine’s front seat passenger, 80 year old Charles Wright of Wyoming.
Bloomstine was transported by Livingston County EMS personnel to the University of Michigan Hospital where he was last listed in serious condition. Bloomstine’s rear seat passenger and wife, 49 year old Susan Bloomstine of Wyoming, was transported by Survival Flight Helicopter to the University of Michigan Hospital where she was later died due to injuries sustained in the crash.
It appears based on witness statements that Tissen may have suffered a medical problem prior to crossing the median of I-96. Seatbelt use and alcohol use remain under investigation.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by Troopers from the Michigan State Police Brighton Post along with officers from the Department of Natural Resources, Howell Police Department, Fowlerville Police Department and the Howell Area Fire Department. Westbound I-96 in the area of the crash was closed for approximately four hours while deputies investigated.
This incident remains under investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff Department Traffic Safety Bureau.
