Gladwin County, Michigan – August 6, 2025 — A peaceful Friday afternoon turned tragic in rural Michigan when a Jeep Cherokee slammed into the back of an Amish buggy, killing one woman and injuring two others. The fatal crash has shaken the local community and renewed urgent questions about road safety in shared-traffic areas.
According to the Gladwin County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on Round Lake Road, where a buggy traveling northbound was struck from behind by a 2016 Jeep Cherokee around 3:00 p.m.
At the time of the crash, three Amish women were riding in the buggy: a 58-year-old, a 25-year-old, and a 17-year-old. Tragically, the 58-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The two younger women sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. The driver of the Jeep, identified as a 38-year-old woman, remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities.
Photos released by the Gladwin County Sheriff’s Office show the buggy badly damaged, pieces of wood scattered across the road. No other vehicles were involved.
Police have not yet released details about the cause of the crash and confirmed that the investigation remains active. Factors such as speed, distraction, or visibility may be under review, but no charges have been announced.
This tragedy is another painful example of the dangers Amish travelers face when using modern roadways. Buggies, typically unmotorized and lacking modern safety features, are particularly vulnerable to high-speed traffic.
Local residents and safety advocates are again calling for stronger protections for buggy users, such as:
- Enhanced signage on rural roads
- Wider lanes or shoulders
- Increased driver awareness campaigns
As the Amish community mourns the loss of a beloved member, funeral arrangements are expected to be private, in accordance with their customs.
Authorities ask that anyone who witnessed the crash contact the Gladwin County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.
