© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Clinton County sheriff's deputy dies in crash

By AP

DEWITT TWP., MI – A motorcycle-riding Clinton County sheriff's deputy died in a traffic accident on his way to work.

DeWitt Township police Chief Brian Russell says Douglas Alward was killed on northbound U.S. 127 Monday after he hit a deer that jumped in front of him, was thrown from his motorcycle and was struck by a semitrailer.

Alward's wife, Alicen, tells the Lansing State Journal her husband would ride his motorcycle from his Lansing home to the agency's headquarters in St. Johns.

The 39-year-old was a motorcycle enthusiast and a member of the Warthogs Motorcycle Club, a group that includes police officers and firefighters.

Alward was a 10-year-veteran of the Clinton County sheriff's office and is survived by his wife, 8-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter.

Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.