Paul DeVito, 38, was ejected from his vehicle following a collision with a tractor-trailer Monday afternoon in Whiteford Township
A 38-year-old Florida man lost his life Monday afternoon after his SUV rear-ended a semi-truck on northbound US-23 in Monroe County, Michigan, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash, which occurred around 1:19 p.m. near Whiteford Township, left family and friends mourning the sudden loss of Paul M. DeVito of Plantation, Florida.
Authorities said DeVito was driving a white 2021 Toyota RAV4 northbound in the right lane when his vehicle struck the rear of a trailer being pulled by a white 2024 Volvo semi-truck.
The force of the impact sent the Toyota spinning counterclockwise multiple times. DeVito was ejected from the vehicle during the violent rotation.
Both he and the SUV came to rest in a ditch along the east side of the highway. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
The semi-truck driver, identified as Herney D. Pena-Fajardo, 43, of Lenox, Massachusetts, was uninjured. He was released from the scene following the incident. Pena-Fajardo brought the semi to a controlled stop in the right lane after the collision.
Congested Traffic Already Slowed Conditions Before the Fatal Crash
Investigators noted that traffic in both northbound lanes had already backed up significantly before the collision due to a separate lane closure farther north on the highway.
The congestion may have played a role in the circumstances leading up to the crash, though the exact cause remains under active investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Division.
According to the sheriff’s report, both drivers were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash. The Toyota’s airbags deployed upon impact, while the semi-truck’s driver-side airbag did not activate. Alcohol has been ruled out as a contributing factor.
Following the crash, Michigan State Police closed portions of northbound US-23 for several hours to allow investigators to process the scene and gather evidence. The road was eventually reopened after the investigation was underway.
A Community Left Grieving an Untimely Loss
Paul DeVito was 38 years old, far too young by any measure. The news of his passing drew an outpouring of grief from those who knew him.
A tribute shared online remembered him as someone whose absence leaves a deep and painful void in the lives of the people closest to him.
Crashes like this one serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly and unexpectedly tragedy can strike on the road. A routine Monday afternoon drive turned fatal in seconds, leaving a family shattered and a community searching for answers.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate all circumstances surrounding the collision.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could help investigators is encouraged to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 734-240-7541. Those who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips through Crime Stoppers.
Paul DeVito is remembered by those who loved him as a son, a friend, and a presence that cannot be replaced. May he rest in peace.
