Two drivers die in head-on collision on I-196

A wrong-way crash on Interstate 196 in Grand Rapids killed two drivers early Friday morning, including a Jenison mother of three who was returning home from work, according to Michigan State Police.

The collision occurred at approximately 1:20 a.m. on June 19 near the Lane Avenue NW exit on the westbound side of I-196, MSP said in a post on X.

Jessica Schmock identified by family

Family has identified the woman killed in the crash as Jessica Schmock, 39, of Jenison. Schmock was driving westbound in a Ford Focus when she was struck head-on by a Jeep Cherokee traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes, police said.

Schmock's son, Hunter Graham, told FOX 17 that his mother's death changed his world forever.

"She was the best person I will ever know. She always managed to make people laugh and feel cared about in any given situation. She was the best mom ever and I would give everything to just say I love you to her one more time."

Schmock's sister, Trina, shared a statement with WOODTV describing her as friendly and family-oriented.

"She was a great mother, a twin, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend, and just a great person all around. Jessica will be truly missed by her family and so many others!"

According to Yahoo News reporting from WOODTV, Schmock is a mother of three children ranging in age from 3 to 20. A GoFundMe started by one of her children is raising money for funeral and cremation costs.

"The costs are overwhelming, and we want to honor her memory with a service that reflects how much she meant to us," her 20-year-old son wrote on the fundraiser page.

Wrong-way driver also killed

The wrong-way driver was identified by police as a 36-year-old man from Grand Rapids. He died at the scene. MSP has not released his name.

Both drivers were the only occupants in their respective vehicles, according to Michigan State Police.

Part of deadly night in West Michigan

The I-196 crash was one of three fatal crashes across West Michigan in a five-hour window from late Thursday night to early Friday morning, killing a total of seven people, according to MSP Lt. Pat Agema.

Around 11:10 p.m. Thursday, two 17-year-olds were killed in a four-vehicle crash in Montcalm County. Around 3:25 a.m. Friday, another wrong-way crash on I-96 in Ottawa County left three people dead.

"Seven people lost their lives within five hours. Our hearts go out to the family and friends in the community of these people. And it could have been avoided based on driving correctly, driving safely, making correct decisions while you're behind the wheel," Agema said.

Troopers told WOODTV it was not yet clear whether alcohol was involved in the I-196 crash or why the Grand Rapids man was driving the wrong way. The investigation remains ongoing.

Highway closed for investigation

Westbound I-196 was closed while troopers investigated the scene and cleaned up debris. The Michigan Department of Transportation reported the interstate reopened at 4:40 a.m. Friday, approximately three hours after the crash, according to News Channel 3.

MSP urged drivers to call 911 if they see a vehicle traveling the wrong way on a highway.

"Give all the information that you can: the direction of travel that they're traveling, your location, what you have seen and be a good witness to that situation," Agema said.