The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
EMT dies after being struck
By Edward Freundl, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: January 31, 2008
An emergency medical technician who stopped to assist a motorist at a crash scene Saturday morning was fatally injured when she was struck by another vehicle.
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Cheryl Kiefer, 23, was part of a Jackson Community Ambulance crew that was westbound on I-94 returning to Jackson County when they observed an accident in the eastbound lanes at Kalmbach Road in Sylvan Township at approximately 6:07 a.m.
They turned around and were assisting the accident victim when, according to a Michigan State Police report, a 46-year-old Jackson man lost control of his vehicle in the eastbound lane and ran off the roadway, crashing into the first vehicle and pinning Kiefer between the two.
She was critically injured and trapped in the wreckage until extricated by Chelsea Area Fire Authority personnel.
CAFA Chief Jim Payeur said the terrain made rescue efforts difficult.
"She was trapped under an SUV, and the ground was very soft even though it was very cold," Payeur said.
"We ended up utilizing the rescue winch on the front of one of our trucks, and while one person provided care, we were able to lift the vehicle to free her."
JCA and Huron Valley Ambulance paramedics transported her to the University of Michigan Hospital Trauma Center, where she was pronounced dead at approximately 8:45 a.m.
Neither of the other drivers was transported from the accident scene.
State police said alcohol or drugs do not appear to be involved in the crash; however, road conditions due to inclement weather appears to be a primary factor in both crashes.
The road surface was icy and slippery, police said, and there are conflicting reports on whether there was sufficient salt or sand on the roadway for traction.
The State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit continues its investigation, and a report will be submitted to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office for review.
Kiefer, a Brooklyn resident, had been with JCA for just over a year and was a former Columbia Township firefighter.
She is survived by her parents, Ronald and Kathy Kiefer, and her sister, Becky Verdier.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cheryl and her family at this tragic time," said Joyce Williams, JCA/HVA public affairs manager.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. today at the Somerset Beach Free Methodist Church, US-12 in Somerset Center, approximately four miles west of US-127.
Following the funeral, there will be a procession from the church to Highland Cemetery in Brooklyn for burial.
There will be a luncheon afterward at the Michigan International Speedway Entertainment Building.
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