CROCKERY TOWNSHIP, MI – A late-night ride on a quiet rural roadway turned deadly early Sunday morning when a 35-year-old motorcyclist from Spring Lake, identified as Cody Marston, lost his life in a collision with a pickup truck that was backing out of a private driveway, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash, which occurred just before 12:30 a.m. on State Road west of 136th Avenue, has left investigators piecing together the final moments of Marston’s life while raising questions about roadway visibility, nighttime driving maneuvers, and the split-second decisions that can lead to tragedy on two-lane roads.

The Initial Response: A Scene of Devastation

Ottawa County Sheriff’s deputies, alongside Crockery Township Fire Rescue and Life Ambulance personnel, were dispatched to the 911 call shortly after midnight. The caller reported a motorcycle-versus-vehicle collision with severe damage and an unresponsive rider.

Upon arrival at the scene—a dimly lit stretch of State Road characterized by scattered homes, gravel driveways, and farmland—first responders found Marston lying on the pavement, separated from his motorcycle by dozens of feet. The force of the impact had thrown him from the bike, and his injuries were immediately recognized as life-threatening.

Deputies noted that Marston’s motorcycle, described in preliminary reports as a late-model sport-style bike, was heavily damaged on its right side and front end. The pickup truck involved, a 2016 Ford F-150 driven by a 39-year-old Kalamazoo man, had come to a stop partially blocking the westbound lane. The truck’s front passenger-side corner—the bumper, headlight assembly, and fender—showed signs of catastrophic impact, with plastic and metal debris scattered across the asphalt.

Emergency personnel, trained in advanced trauma life support, worked quickly to stabilize Marston. They applied tourniquets, attempted airway management, and performed CPR as a helicopter from Aeromed was initially placed on standby. However, within 20 minutes of their arrival, it became clear that the injuries were too severe. Marston was pronounced dead at the scene by Ottawa County medical examiners.

The Mechanics of the Crash: How the Collision Unfolded

According to a press release issued by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday morning, the preliminary investigation has established a sequence of events, though many details remain under review.

The Motorcyclist’s Path: Cody Marston was traveling westbound on State Road, a two-lane rural highway with a posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour in most sections. The time of night—just after midnight—meant that ambient lighting was minimal, with only headlights from vehicles and occasional porch lights from nearby homes illuminating the roadway.

The Pickup Truck’s Maneuver: Simultaneously, a 39-year-old man from Kalamazoo—whose name has not yet been released pending further investigation—was operating a pickup truck with two passengers aboard. The driver had just started backing out of a private driveway on the south side of State Road. That driveway, deputies say, empties directly onto the westbound lane. The driver was attempting to turn the truck westward, intending to head in the same direction as Marston.

The Fatal Maneuver: Investigators say that as the pickup truck slowly reversed onto the roadway, Cody Marston made a critical decision. According to evidence at the scene—including tire marks, debris patterns, and witness accounts from the pickup truck’s occupants—Marston did not brake. Instead, he accelerated and attempted to pass the backing pickup truck on the right side.

Passing on the right is an unconventional and dangerous maneuver on a two-lane road. Typically, a motorcyclist or driver would slow down and pass on the left if the vehicle ahead is turning or backing. But in this case, the right side of the pickup truck was the side closest to the shoulder of the road—and the side that was actively swinging outward as the truck’s front end rotated during the backing maneuver.

As the pickup’s front corner pivoted into the westbound lane, Marston’s motorcycle collided with it at a closing speed that investigators are still calculating. The impact was violent and immediate. The motorcycle’s front wheel and fork assembly crumpled upon striking the truck’s bumper, sending Marston flying over the handlebars and onto the pavement. The motorcycle itself spun and slid to a stop in the gravel shoulder.

The Victims and Survivors: A Tale of Two Outcomes

Cody Marston, 35, of Spring Lake – A native of the lakeside community north of Grand Haven, Marston was known to friends and family as an avid motorcycle enthusiast. Social media profiles and public records indicate he worked in the construction trades, often commuting between job sites in Ottawa and Allegan counties. Friends who spoke with local news outlets described him as “a careful rider” who “loved the freedom of the open road.” He was unmarried but leaves behind parents, siblings, and a close-knit group of riding partners.

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Marston was wearing a DOT-approved helmet at the time of the crash, as well as protective riding gear including a jacket and gloves. Despite these precautions, the blunt-force trauma sustained in the collision proved unsurvivable.

The Pickup Truck Driver (39, Kalamazoo) – The driver, whose identity has not been released as the investigation remains active, was reportedly visiting family or friends in Crockery Township at the time of the crash. He has been fully cooperative with law enforcement, providing a statement and consenting to a preliminary breath test. Deputies confirmed that alcohol was not a factor for the driver, nor were any signs of impairment observed at the scene. Neither he nor his two passengers—adults whose names have also been withheld—sustained any physical injuries. All three were reportedly wearing seat belts.

Ongoing Investigation: What Authorities Are Looking For

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit was called to the scene early Sunday morning. Reconstructionists spent nearly five hours photographing the scene, measuring skid marks and debris, and using drone technology to map the exact positions of both vehicles and Marston’s body.

As of Sunday evening, investigators have not yet released information regarding several critical factors:

· Speed: Was Marston traveling above the 55 mph limit? Did the pickup truck back out at a slow, reasonable pace?
· Visibility: Was the private driveway obscured by trees, shrubs, or signage? Did the pickup truck’s backup lights function properly? Were there streetlights on that section of State Road? (Multiple nearby residents say the area is “pitch black” after 11 p.m.)
· Impairment: Toxicology tests on Marston’s remains are standard procedure in fatal crashes. Results can take four to six weeks. The sheriff’s office has stated there is no immediate evidence of alcohol or drug use by the motorcyclist, but the official report will await the toxicology screen.
· Prior History: Deputies are reviewing whether either driver had any prior traffic violations or whether the specific driveway has been the site of previous collisions.

Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Sgt. Eric DeBoer released a statement Sunday afternoon: “This is a tragic and complex crash. Our hearts go out to Mr. Marston’s family and friends. We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who was driving on State Road between 12:15 a.m. and 12:45 a.m. to please contact our office. Even a small detail could be crucial.”

The Legal Landscape: Potential Charges and Civil Liability

At this stage, no charges have been filed. Michigan law regarding backing vehicles is clear: A driver backing out of a driveway or parking space must yield the right-of-way to approaching traffic. Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.647) states that “the driver of a vehicle shall not back the same unless such movement can be made with reasonable safety and without interfering with other traffic.”

If the investigation determines that the pickup driver backed unsafely—for example, too quickly, without looking, or with obstructed vision—he could face civil liability or even a charge of moving violation causing death, which is a misdemeanor in Michigan. However, the fact that Marston attempted to pass on the right introduces significant comparative negligence. Under Michigan’s “modified comparative fault” rule, Marston’s estate could recover damages only if he is found less than 50% at fault. An unsafe passing maneuver could place the majority of fault on the deceased rider.

Criminal charges such as reckless driving causing death (a felony) are unlikely unless evidence emerges of extreme negligence or impairment on the part of the pickup driver. As of now, no such evidence exists.

Community Reaction: A Quiet Road, A Loud Loss

On Sunday afternoon, a small memorial began to form near the crash site. A white cross with Cody Marston’s name was placed in the gravel shoulder, alongside motorcycle boots and a burning candle. Neighbors stood across the road, watching in silence.

Linda VanderMolen, who has lived on State Road for 22 years, said: “Every few years, we get a bad one here. People fly down this road at night. And backing out of your own driveway? You take your life in your hands. I feel terrible for that young man from Spring Lake, but I also feel for the guy in the truck. He’ll never forget this.”

Local riders have also spoken out. A Facebook group called “West Michigan Riders United” posted a tribute: “Cody rode with us twice last summer. Quiet guy, solid rider. This could be any of us. Please, please be careful at night. Slow down. Assume every driveway has a car coming out.”

Roadway Safety and Prevention: Could This Have Been Avoided?

The crash highlights a recurring danger on rural roads: the conflict between speeding or accelerating motorcycles and vehicles unexpectedly backing into traffic. Motorcycles are smaller, harder to see at night, and require longer stopping distances if the rider is accelerating. Meanwhile, drivers backing out of driveways often look primarily for headlights, not smaller motorcycle lights, especially if the bike is positioned in a blind spot.

Safety experts recommend the following to prevent similar tragedies:

· For motorcyclists: Reduce speed when passing driveways at night. Use high beams when no oncoming traffic exists. Never pass a vehicle on the right, especially one that is backing or turning.
· For drivers: Back into your driveway instead of pulling in forward, so you exit facing forward. If you must back out, roll down your windows, turn off music, and look both ways twice before moving.
· For municipalities: Install reflective markers or warning signs at driveways with limited sight distance. Consider lowering speed limits on high-risk rural sections.

How to Help and What Comes Next

Cody Marston’s family is making funeral arrangements through VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Spring Lake. A GoFundMe page had not been established as of this writing, but friends have indicated one may be created to assist with burial expenses.

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office continues to ask anyone with information about the crash to call Sergeant Jason Ter Haar at (616) 738-4000 or email tips to sheriff@miottawa.org. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

The crash report, including the determination of fault and any citations, is expected to be completed within four to six weeks, pending toxicology and accident reconstruction analysis.

A Final Word

Each year in Michigan, more than 140 motorcyclists die in crashes, according to the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Facts. Cody Marston’s death is a somber addition to that statistic—a reminder that a single second of acceleration, a single foot of movement, can rewrite lives forever.

For the 39-year-old driver from Kalamazoo, the sound of impact and the sight of a rider flying through the air will never fade. For the two passengers, a quiet night visiting friends became a front-row seat to tragedy. And for Spring Lake, a 35-year-old man who loved the wind in his face is gone far too soon.

As the sun set over Crockery Township on Sunday evening, State Road reopened to normal traffic. Cars and pickup trucks passed over the dark stain on the asphalt. Some slowed to look. Most did not. But in the small memorial by the roadside, a candle flickered—a small light against the vast darkness, remembering Cody Marston.