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Man, 59, dies after driving Jeep into St. Clair River

Investigators trying to determine if driver had medical emergency at time of incident

ST. CLAIR, Mich. – A 59-year-old man died Sunday night after driving his vehicle directly into the St. Clair River, according to authorities.

St. Clair police were reportedly called at 7:22 p.m. on Sunday about a Jeep driving into the St. Clair River at 525 South Riverside Avenue in St. Clair. The 59-year-old man, identified as Robert Ranusch Jr., drove through a fenced-in area and then directly into the river, officials said.

A dive team was reportedly in the water about a half hour after the incident occurred. Divers pulled Ranusch from the water and he was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased, officials said.

It is currently unclear to authorities what exactly happened.

Investigators are still trying to determine if Ranusch had a medical emergency at the time of the incident. The man has been turned over to the county medical examiner’s office and an autopsy report is pending.

See footage from the scene in the video player above.

The investigation is ongoing. No other details have been provided at this time.


More: Local news


About the Author
Cassidy Johncox headshot

Cassidy Johncox is a senior digital news editor covering stories across the spectrum, with a special focus on politics and community issues.

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