Motorist killed on Lodge Freeway in Southfield while stopping to help after crash

A motorist who pulled over to help after a crash on the Lodge Freeway in Southfield was struck and killed late Saturday, Oct. 3, according to Michigan State Police.

The crash happened shortly after 11:30 p.m. on southbound M-10 near 9 Mile Road, FOX 2 Detroit reported.

What police say happened

According to state police, an earlier two-vehicle crash left one vehicle disabled and blocking the two left lanes of the freeway.

A passing motorist pulled onto the right shoulder, got out and crossed the freeway to help. While that person was assisting, another vehicle approaching the disabled car swerved to avoid it and struck the pedestrian.

Michigan State Police troopers, Southfield police and Southfield Fire/EMS responded and began lifesaving efforts, including CPR. The person was pronounced dead at the scene.

The person who was killed has not been publicly identified.

Driver stayed at the scene

The driver who struck the pedestrian stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators, state police said.

"There is no indication that alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash," MSP said, according to FOX 2.

The crash remains under investigation.

Freeway closed for hours

Southbound M-10 was closed for about four and a half hours during the investigation and reopened at approximately 4:30 a.m., according to the reports.

What this means for residents

The person who died had stopped to help strangers after a crash, crossing the freeway from the right shoulder to reach a disabled vehicle in the left lanes. The crash is a reminder of the danger anyone faces on foot on a freeway after a collision.

State police have not released additional details, including the identity of the person who was killed or information about the earlier crash that disabled the vehicle.

This story uses reporting from FOX 2 Detroit and ClickOnDetroit and information from Michigan State Police.