Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office deputies, local fire rescue units, and emergency medical service personnel responded to emergency 911 dispatch calls reporting a severe single-vehicle crash on West R Avenue near South 2nd Street in Texas Township on Sunday, October 18, 2026. According to preliminary investigative reports, a vehicle carrying five teenage girls was traveling along West R Avenue when it left the roadway and struck a tree. First responders evaluated the occupants at the scene; 15-year-old Jordyn Bigham and 16-year-old Liyra Fuller succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased. Three other teenage passengers sustained injuries and were transported to regional medical facilities, including Jordyn’s sister, 16-year-old Jada Bigham, who was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Mattawan Consolidated Schools Superintendent Randy Fleenor confirmed that one of the injured teenagers was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday, October 20.
Law Enforcement Investigation and Status
Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office crash reconstruction specialists closed West R Avenue near South 2nd Street for several hours to perform physical scene mapping, inspect vehicle damage dynamics, and document roadway evidence. Authorities maintain an active, ongoing investigation into the specific environmental, mechanical, or operational factors that caused the vehicle to leave the road. Official post-mortem examinations and formal cause-of-death determinations are being conducted under the jurisdiction of the Kalamazoo County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Tributes and Memorial Notices
News of the fatal crash brought profound grief to students, staff, and community members throughout Mattawan Consolidated Schools and Kalamazoo County. Loved ones remembered the 15- and 16-year-old students for their vibrant personalities, personal connections, and lasting impact on their peers and families. Official announcements regarding public memorial services, school support resources, and funeral arrangements will be released by authorized family representatives and school officials
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