Aaron Andreas Obituary, Death: Bicyclist fatally struck by pickup on East M-20 in Newfield Township; investigation underway.
Aaron Andreas Obituary, Death – A tragic accident claimed the life of a bicyclist in Newfield Township on the night of Friday, May 9, when he was struck by a pickup truck along East M-20 near South 176th Avenue. According to a report from the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office, the fatal collision occurred around 9:45 p.m., and the bicyclist was later identified as 57-year-old Aaron Andreas, a resident of Hesperia.
The sheriff’s report detailed that deputies and emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene following a call for help. When first responders arrived, they found Andreas lying in a ditch near the roadway. Despite immediate attempts to administer life-saving aid, their efforts were unsuccessful, and Andreas was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary information gathered by investigators suggests that the driver of the pickup truck was heading west on East M-20 at the time of the collision. According to the driver’s account, it was very dark outside when the crash occurred, and he initially believed he had hit a deer. Upon stopping to investigate the situation further, the driver found both the damaged bicycle and Andreas at the side of the road.
After making the discovery, the driver reportedly went to a nearby residence to ask for help and to have someone call 911. Deputies confirmed that the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement during the initial phase of the investigation. At this stage in the inquiry, the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office has stated that drugs, alcohol, and excessive speed are not considered contributing factors in the crash.
The incident is still under active investigation, and authorities are working to determine the full circumstances that led to the fatal collision. Investigators are likely to examine multiple aspects of the crash, including lighting conditions, visibility, the placement and condition of the bicycle, and whether proper safety equipment, such as reflectors or lights, was being used at the time.
Friday’s accident has raised concerns in the local community about bicycle safety, particularly in rural areas where street lighting is limited and visibility can be extremely poor after dark. Roads like East M-20 often lack designated bike lanes or shoulders, making it more dangerous for cyclists, especially during nighttime hours. While the driver’s claim of mistaking the victim for a deer may sound surprising, it reflects the reality of just how difficult it can be to see bicyclists in poorly lit conditions.
Aaron Andreas’s death has left his family and community mourning the sudden loss of a life that ended too soon. Though few personal details about him were shared in the initial report, residents of Hesperia and Newfield Township have expressed their sadness and concern over the tragedy. Local officials and community leaders are also expected to respond to the incident by raising awareness of nighttime biking hazards and encouraging both cyclists and drivers to take extra precautions.
The sheriff’s office is expected to review whether the bicycle had reflectors, a rear light, or any other visibility aids, and whether local road conditions played a role in the crash. This information could be critical in both concluding the investigation and potentially recommending safety improvements or preventative measures in the area.
Bicyclist fatalities have been a growing concern across the country in recent years, with rural crashes involving cyclists being especially difficult to prevent due to the lack of infrastructure like bike lanes or adequate lighting. Safety advocates frequently urge bicyclists to wear high-visibility clothing, use flashing lights on their bikes, and avoid riding at night when visibility is at its lowest. Likewise, drivers are encouraged to remain alert, particularly on rural roads where pedestrians, cyclists, or animals may unexpectedly appear.
Although the sheriff’s office has said there is currently no indication of criminal behavior, the investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet ruled out any contributing factors. It is standard procedure in fatal crashes for law enforcement to conduct a thorough review of all evidence before making any final determinations.
The community is now left reflecting on the dangers of rural road travel and the importance of vigilance from both cyclists and motorists. Andreas’s death serves as a sobering reminder that even a momentary lapse in visibility or awareness can have irreversible consequences.
As the investigation continues, the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office is expected to release further details as they become available. In the meantime, law enforcement officials encourage drivers and bicyclists alike to exercise extra caution, particularly at night, to prevent further tragedies on local roads.
