Update: Victim identified, Owner of Muskegon Brake killed in fatal traffic crash

The victim of today’s fatal traffic crash on northbound US31 near Sherman Blvd has been identified as Robert Jefferson Cutler from North Muskegon. Cutler was 58 years old.

Cutler was the driver, and only occupant of a passenger car, that struck another vehicle which had stopped on the roadway, due to a multi-vehicle crash which had just occurred.  Cutler was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The investigation is continuing at this time.

The Muskegon Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred this morning on northbound US 31, just north of Sherman Blvd, in the City of Muskegon.

At approximately 10:02am today (1/22/13), officers were dispatched to a report of a multi-vehicle traffic crash involving at least 15-20 vehicles.  One person was killed; several more were seriously injured and transported to area hospitals by ambulance.  The name of the deceased driver is being withheld pending notification of relatives.

The highway was closed, temporarily, while officers investigated the crash and cleared out the vehicles.  The highway has been re-opened at this time.

The crash remains under investigation.

Michigan State Police, Fruitport Township Police Department, and Norton Shores Police Department also assisted with the accident.

If anyone witnessed the crash, or the victim’s driving on US 31 prior to the crash, they are asked to call the Muskegon Police Department at 231-724-6750. Thank you.