Student Struck and Killed on Lodge Freeway
A 19-year-old student died after being hit by a vehicle while attempting to help occupants of a disabled car.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Accidents
Hezam Hussein, 19, was killed late Saturday night while standing on the shoulder of the Lodge Freeway near Nine Mile Road in Southfield. The incident occurred after he stopped to assist people inside a vehicle that had previously struck a median barrier.
Why it matters
The tragedy highlights the significant risks posed to motorists and Good Samaritans when stopping on high-speed freeways to provide roadside assistance. Authorities continue to investigate the collision that led to the fatal injury of the Henry Ford College student.
Michigan State Police are actively investigating the collision, and the involved driver has cooperated fully with authorities. No criminal charges have been filed against the driver as of this time.
The players
Hezam Hussein
He was a 19-year-old student at Henry Ford College who lost his life while attempting to help others on the roadside.
Michigan State Police
This law enforcement agency is currently leading the investigation into the fatal collision on the Lodge Freeway.
The details
Hussein stopped his vehicle on the shoulder at approximately 11:40 p.m. to help those in the disabled car. As he stood outside, a passing vehicle swerved to avoid the disabled car, inadvertently striking Hussein.
Timeline
The collision occurred late on the night of October 3, 2026.
Hezam Hussein was buried at Woodmere Cemetery on October 5, 2026.
Legal Context
This incident follows a pattern set by documented safety concerns regarding Michigan's Move Over law, which mandates that drivers change lanes to avoid stationary emergency or assist vehicles. The fatal event underscores ongoing efforts by state authorities to curb roadside traffic injuries.
Motorists in Southfield should exercise extreme caution when stopping on highway shoulders, as these areas are high-risk zones for secondary collisions. Police advise residents to remain inside their vehicles and call for professional roadside assistance whenever possible.
The takeaway
Drivers should avoid exiting their vehicles on high-speed freeways unless absolutely necessary for safety. If forced to stop, prioritize remaining inside the vehicle or moving far behind the guardrail to avoid oncoming traffic.
Further reading
For more information on road safety trends, visit the Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Arab American News.
