Van Buren County road worker dies after crash on County Road 681

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VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. - A Van Buren County road worker died Friday morning after being struck by a vehicle in a work zone on County Road 681, near 48th Avenue, according to Michigan State Police.

According to the investigation, the driver of a 1997 Dodge pickup truck did not follow traffic controls and rear-ended a stopped 2012 Chevy pickup truck after trying to pass it.

While trying to pass the Chevy, the Dodge also allegedly struck the road worker, identified as 58-year-old Rene Rangel of Dowagiac.

Rangel was holding a traffic control signal when he was hit.

The road was closed for a time while crews cleared the scene but has since reopened.