Fatality: Rickie Pickens dies in fatal Jackson County wrong-way crash

Rickie Pickens dies in fatal Jackson County wrong-way crash

Fatal Jackson County wrong-way crash death of Rickie Pickens – Obituary

Rickie Pickens, a 16-year-old Jackson High School student, lost his life on February 19 after the car he was riding in traveled the wrong way on U.S. 127 and collided head-on with another vehicle, authorities confirmed.

Jackson County Undersheriff Anthony Stewart reported that the teen was a passenger when the sedan entered the southbound lanes near McDevitt Avenue in Summit Township at a high speed and struck a fully loaded pickup. A third vehicle was also sideswiped during the incident.

Pickens, a sophomore and junior varsity football player, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 36-year-old female driver of the sedan was hospitalized in stable condition, while the driver of the pickup was also treated for serious injuries at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. Occupants of the third vehicle escaped serious harm.

Jackson High School Head Football Coach Antonio Parker remembered Pickens as a dedicated and promising athlete, sharing that he had coached him for two years and looked forward to seeing him play varsity football this fall.

Investigators say alcohol and drugs may have played a role in the crash. Blood test results from the Michigan State Police Crime Lab are pending, and the case will be forwarded to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office for review once those results are received.