Driver fled after vehicle struck pedestrian near Rodd Street
December 20, 2025 | Midland, MI
In a heartbreaking development, authorities in Midland, Michigan, reported that a 17-year-old local girl surrendered to police following a deadly hit-and-run involving a pedestrian.
What Happened in the Crash?
Gary McClain, 78, of Midland, was killed in a pedestrian hit-and-run in the 2700 block of Jefferson Avenue near Rodd Street.
Midland Police Department officers arrived at the scene in the 2700 block of Jefferson Avenue near Rodd Street around 5:41 p.m. on Dec. 19. They found that a vehicle had struck a pedestrian before the driver fled.
- Victim Details: Gary McClain, 78, of Midland, was pronounced dead at the location.
- Suspect Information: A 17-year-old girl from Midland turned herself in early on Dec. 20, sharing details with investigators before being released pending further review.
- Investigation Status: The case has been sent to the Midland County Prosecutor's Office, with the collision still under active examination.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from factors like uninsured drivers or fear of consequences. According to the Michigan State Police, the state saw 287,953 crashes in 2023, leading to 71,085 injuries. Michigan's uninsured driver rate stood at 19.6% in 2022, per the Insurance Information Institute, which can encourage drivers to evade responsibility.
Nationwide, such accidents happen more than once per minute on U.S. roads, highlighting a persistent road safety challenge.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Total Crashes in Michigan (2023) |
287,953 |
Michigan State Police |
Injuries from Crashes (2023) |
71,085 |
Michigan State Police |
Uninsured Driver Rate (2022) |
19.6% |
Insurance Information Institute |
Hit-and-Run Frequency (U.S.) |
More than 1 per minute |
National estimates |
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the need for thorough investigation in hit-and-run cases to uphold justice.
“Conducting an independent investigation right away is crucial in hit-and-run situations to safeguard victims' rights,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Elements like road conditions, visibility, and lighting must be scrutinized to establish negligence.”
Key takeaways from such analyses include:
- Prompt, professional-led inquiries can uncover critical evidence often missed in standard reports.
- Families deserve compensation for losses, including companionship and emotional effects.
- Protecting legal interests requires staying informed on official investigations.
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, added:
“The grief from losing someone in a crash can be immense. It's essential for a wrongful death lawyer to monitor developments and ensure families' rights are defended.”
Pending outcomes, McClain's family may explore a wrongful death claim for damages related to pain, suffering, and loss.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).