Driver dies in one-vehicle crash

A Hastings man died in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday near the intersection of M-37 and M-79.

Matthew Rick, 44, of Hastings was traveling west on M-79 in a Chevrolet Silverado shortly before 1 a.m. July 7. He failed to stop at the intersection, crossed M-37 and hit a pole in a marshy area.

Rick, the only occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police reported that he appeared to have been wearing a seatbelt, and side airbags in the pickup were deployed.

Speed likely was a factor in the crash, according to the Barry County Sheriff’s Office.  It’s unknown if alcohol or drugs was a factor in the crash.  The crash remains under investigation.

Also assisting were the Hastings fire department, Mercy Ambulance Service, Michigan Department of Transportation and Barry County Central Dispatch.