86-Year-Old Woman Dies After Car Crashes Into Utility Pole

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI — An 86-year-old Clinton Township woman is dead after a car crash that took place Wednesday afternoon.

Police say the 2019 Buick LaCrosse was being driven by the 92-year-old husband, who was making a turn from westbound 15 Mile Road onto northbound Garfield, when the car went off the roadway and struck a utility pole.

The woman, identified as Shirley Ann Tobalski, was the passenger in the crash. Police say the husband and wife became trapped in the vehicle when the pole broke and live electrical wires fell onto the car. Authorities said they sent in a drone to help keep the two calm during the rescue.

Police said that while waiting for DTE to turn the power off to conduct rescue efforts, the wife last consciousness.

Once rescued, both were taken to Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, where Tobalski was pronounced dead.

Drugs and alcohol are not suspected in this crash, police said.

The intersection of Garfield and 15 mile are both five- lane roads consisting of concrete in good condition. The speed limit for both roads is posted at 45 mph.

The Clinton Township Police Department is continuing the investigation and requests any witnesses to the crash or anyone having information pertinent to the crash, to contact the Captain Wade at 586-493-7931.