Sheriff Releases Details on Crash That Killed Pinconning Student

PINCONNING, Mich. (WNEM) – A devastating car crash has left the Pinconning community in mourning after claiming the life of a recent high school graduate and seriously injuring his younger sister. Bay County Sheriff Troy Cunningham released new details on the tragic collision that occurred Thursday afternoon, May 29, on the M-13 corridor near the Town and Country store in Pinconning.

According to the sheriff, 18-year-old Aiden Alexander, who had recently celebrated his high school graduation, was traveling southbound on M-13 in a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. His 16-year-old sister, Halen Alexander, was a passenger in the vehicle along with the family’s dog. Their journey took a tragic turn when, at approximately 2:54 p.m., a northbound 2013 GMC Sierra driven by a 68-year-old man from Tawas veered out of his lane.

Sheriff Cunningham reported that the man crossed over the center turn lane and entered the southbound lane of M-13, resulting in a head-on collision with the Jeep Cherokee driven by Aiden. The impact of the crash was severe and, tragically, Aiden was pronounced dead at the scene.

Halen Alexander was rushed to Covenant Hospital in Saginaw, where she remains in serious but stable condition. The dog’s condition was not disclosed.

The driver of the GMC Sierra, whose identity has not yet been released, was transported to MyMichigan Medical Center in Saginaw. As of the latest update, he is in critical condition. Authorities are actively investigating what led the man to cross into oncoming traffic, though no definitive cause has been shared.

Sheriff Cunningham emphasized that crash reconstructionists and forensic investigators are working to gather all necessary evidence, including eyewitness accounts and potential surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Toxicology reports and vehicle data recorders are also expected to play a role in determining the exact sequence of events.

The community of Pinconning has been left reeling from the loss. Aiden Alexander was well-known in the area, remembered by classmates and teachers as a bright and kind young man with a promising future. Vigils and tributes are already being organized in his memory, as the town comes together to support the Alexander family during this time of unimaginable grief.

Local schools and grief counselors have extended support services for students and families affected by the tragedy, and condolences have poured in across social media platforms, where Aiden’s friends and family have shared memories and photos in his honor.

As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward. Sheriff Cunningham stressed the importance of community support in these early stages of the investigation.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for our community,” Cunningham said. “Our hearts go out to the Alexander family and all those impacted by this tragic accident.”