1 driver killed in wrong-way collision

PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - A 30-year-old Grand Rapids man died after his vehicle was hit by another vehicle that was traveling the wrong way, police say.

It was just after 7 a.m. Monday when the collision occurred in the northbound lanes of East Beltline Avenue, north of Five Mile Road, in Plainfield Township.

Aaron Haynes was traveling north in his pickup truck on his way to work when another driver hit him. Police are investigating the possibility that the other driver didn't have his or her headlights on.

Haynes, who was a first-grade teacher at Lincoln Heights Elementary School in Greenville, died at the scene. He had no previous driving record other than a speeding ticket in July in Ithaca.

Originally, state police identified the alleged at-fault driver as 33-year-old Inocencia Ochoa of Wyoming. Now, they say Ochoa owns that truck and was not driving at the time. Police aren't sure of the connection between Ochoa and the at-fault driver.

The suspect is believed to be from Washington and police are unsure of his permanent address or driving record.

"We have some things that show he'd potentially be from Washington," said Chris McIntire of Michigan State Police. "We have a Washington state ID, but no Washington driver's license at this time."

The driver was taken to a hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. His name will be released at his arraignment, police say.

There is no evidence of braking from either vehicle. Alcohol likely is a factor in the crash, investigators say.

Police received no 911 calls from witnesses about the wrong-way vehicle prior to the crash.

You are asked to call police at (616) 866-4411 if you know anything about this incident.

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Greenville Public Schools Superintendent Peter Haines released a statement about Haynes' death:

"Mr. Haynes has been a remarkably positive influence on so many young lives. He combined a passion for his craft with compassion for the children he has served. He, his students, and his family members are in the thoughts and prayers of his Greenville School family. We would ask, in respect for the needs of his family and his students, that we have some privacy and time to respond to the
immediate needs of those closest to him."

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Funeral information for Aaron Haynes

Visitation Friday Nov. 27 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm

Funeral Saturday Nov. 28 11 am

Kempf Funeral Home

723 Old U.S. 27 North, Marshall, MI

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Fund for Riley Eugene Haynes

Any National City Branch

Aaron Haynes Grand Valley Fund

account # 988089657