(COLDWATER) - A Branch County Road Commission employee injured in a crash along I-69 last week has died.
Family and friends confirmed over the weekend that 46-year-old Casey Rice succumbed to injuries he suffered when a semi struck the tractor he was operating while mowing along the interstate Thursday.
Rice was airlifted to a Kalamazoo hospital following the crash, which shut down I-69 for nearly nine hours.
Michigan State Police have said drug use may have been a contributing factor in the crash. Investigators have not announced whether any criminal charges will be filed against the semi driver.
The truck driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to a hospital for observation.
Funeral arrangements for Rice had not been announced as of Monday morning.