Mother, infant die from injuries in crash on M51

DECATUR, Mich. -- A woman and her 2-month-old son died in a crash on M51 Friday evening, according to the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department.

The preliminary investigation revealed a Jeep Wrangler was traveling northbound on M51 just before 9 p.m. when the driver, a 42-year-old woman from Battle Creek, crossed the center line and collided head-on with a Chrysler Pacifica, according to deputies.

The driver of the Pacifica, 25-year-old Daria Malaga of Elkhart, died at the scene.

Her 2-month old son Xavier Martinez died at the hospital on Sunday.

The driver of the Wrangler was in good condition at the hospital on Sunday.

Deputies said both drivers were wearing seat belts and the infant was in a car seat.

The investigation is ongoing.

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