Authorities in Monroe County are investigating a devastating two-vehicle collision that claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman and left another driver seriously injured on Monday evening. The tragic incident occurred around 5:28 p.m. along South Telegraph Road (U.S. 24) near West Stein Road in LaSalle Township, just south of Monroe, prompting a large-scale response from law enforcement and emergency medical crews. Officials say the impact and aftermath of the crash have left the community shaken as investigators work to determine what went wrong.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the victim has been identified as Abbigal Garbers of Morenci in Lenawee County. Garbers had been traveling northbound in a gray 2010 Toyota Corolla when, for reasons still under investigation, her vehicle crossed the centerline and entered the southbound lane. Her car collided head-on with a gray 2015 Hyundai Sonata driven by 35-year-old Palmer G. Merkel of Temperance. The collision left both vehicles heavily damaged and scattered across the roadway, with debris stretching across multiple lanes.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where both drivers were found critically injured. Garbers was quickly transported to ProMedica Toledo Hospital, but despite the efforts of medical professionals, she was later pronounced deceased. The Sheriff’s Office extended heartfelt condolences to her family, recognizing the profound grief facing her loved ones. Merkel was taken to St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, where he remains hospitalized in serious condition. Authorities noted that both drivers had been wearing seat belts, but the force of a head-on collision can still result in catastrophic injuries even when safety restraints are used properly.
Multiple agencies assisted with the emergency response, including the LaSalle Township Volunteer Fire Department, Monroe Community Ambulance, and members of the Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Program and Victim Services Unit. Their work included providing medical aid, supporting affected families, securing the roadway, and managing traffic during the extended closure. The aftermath of the crash required significant time and coordination to clear, underscoring the severity of the incident.
Investigators have identified driver inattention as a possible contributing factor but caution that the inquiry is ongoing. Deputies continue to analyze physical evidence, vehicle data, and witness statements to piece together the moments leading up to the collision. Authorities stress the importance of community assistance in cases like this, as even small details can help clarify what happened.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to contact the Traffic Services Division at 734-240-7548. Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide tips through Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 800-SPEAK-UP. As the investigation moves forward, officials urge the public to keep the families of both drivers in their thoughts as they process the devastating consequences of this tragic crash.
