Teen listed as critical after crashing into tree

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - The Berrien County Sheriff's Department is investigating a single vehicle crash that resulted in serious injuries.

Police say that a car driven by 18-year-old Gavin Powell of Stevensville was driving north on Pipeline Road just north of Hillandale Road when he failed to negotiate a curve and went of the road, striking a tree.

The crash occurred around 2:36 am.

Powell's car was split in two just behind the driver side door and Powell was trapped inside the front half of his car and had to be cut out by the Sodus Township Fire Department.

Powell was transported to Lakeland Hospital where he is listed in critical condition with head, back and internal injuries.

Police say Powell had been visiting friends in Eau Claire and was on his way home when the crash occurred. Powell's vehicle was spotted by an off-duty Deputy who called it in and went to help.

It does not appear that alcohol, speed, or weather were factors in the crash, but deputies say the incident is still under investigation.