A late morning collision between a semi and a passenger vehicle in Watervliet Township has resulted in the death of a Hartford man who rear-ended the semi just minutes after 11am today, Monday, November 9th.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office reports that the fatal crash occurred on County Line Road near 66th Ave in Watervliet Township at 11:02am today.
Deputies say that 58 year old Robert Clem of Hartford was driving south on County Line Road when he rear-ended a 1998 Volvo semi truck and trailer causing extensive damage. Clem was found dead at the scene.
The semi truck operator, 60-year old Ernesto Garcia of South Haven was turning south onto County Line Road from an open field when the crash occurred.
Berrien County officials say that the case remains under investigation, and a final report will be submitted to the Berrien County Prosecutor for review.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on the scene by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Accident Reconstruction Team, Sister Lakes Fire Department, Pride Care Ambulance and the Michigan State Police.
