How Did 2 Mattawan High School Students Die in a Crash That Critically Injured 3 Others?

What happened

Two teenagers were killed and three others were critically injured when a vehicle carrying five Mattawan High School students crashed into a tree in Texas Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, early on Sunday, 18 October 2026.

Key facts

• Where: Texas Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, United States
• When: Around 3:23 a.m. on Sunday, 18 October 2026
• Vehicle: One vehicle carrying five Mattawan High School students
• Deaths: 2 students, aged 15 and 16, pronounced dead at the scene
• Injured: 3 students, aged 15, 16 and 17, all critically injured
• Source: MLive, reporting the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office

What the sheriff's office said

The vehicle was travelling west on West R Avenue when it left the south side of the road and struck a tree, according to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office. Investigators had not determined why the vehicle left the roadway.

Two students, aged 15 and 16, were pronounced dead at the scene. Three other students, aged 15, 16 and 17, were injured. Two were listed in critical but stable condition on Sunday, while the third remained in very critical condition, according to the sheriff's office.

Authorities did not immediately release the students' names, and it was unclear which teenager was driving the vehicle. The students' families and Mattawan High School officials were notified.

The sheriff's office said: "Our thoughts are also with the injured students, their loved ones, and the students, teachers, and staff of Mattawan High Schools during this difficult time." The crash remains under investigation.

How to help the investigation

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office at 269-383-8748 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.

Frequently asked questions

Where did the Mattawan crash happen?

The crash happened in Texas Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, on West R Avenue. The vehicle left the south side of the road and struck a tree.

When did the crash happen?

The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of the crash at around 3:23 a.m. on Sunday, 18 October 2026.

How many students were killed and injured?

Two students, aged 15 and 16, were killed. Three students, aged 15, 16 and 17, were critically injured. Five Mattawan High School students were in the vehicle.

Has the cause of the crash been confirmed?

No. Investigators had not determined why the vehicle left the roadway, and the crash remains under investigation.