Aaron L. Heiss, 48, of Flat Rock, Michigan, was killed Monday morning in a fatal head-on crash on North Telegraph Road in Frenchtown Township.

Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough reported that the crash occurred at approximately 10:04 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, on N. Telegraph Road, northeast of Hurd Road.

According to the preliminary investigation, Heiss was driving a gray 2010 Ford Escape southwestbound on N. Telegraph Road. While negotiating a curve in the roadway, his vehicle traveled left of center for reasons that remain unknown.

The Ford Escape then struck a red 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ head-on. The Cadillac was being driven by John C. Taylor, 83, of Monroe, Michigan, who was traveling northeastbound.

Following the collision, the Cadillac came to rest partially on the paved and grassy portions of the roadway shoulder, facing east. The Ford Escape rotated counterclockwise after the impact and came to rest facing east in the northeast lane of travel.

Both drivers were wearing their safety belts when the crash occurred, and airbags deployed in both vehicles.

Heiss sustained fatal injuries in the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Taylor survived the crash but suffered serious injuries. He was transported to Corewell Health Trenton Hospital in Trenton, Michigan, where he was listed in serious condition.

Authorities said intoxication is not considered a factor in the crash. Investigators are continuing to determine why Heiss’s vehicle crossed the center line and what circumstances may have contributed to the collision.

Members of the Frenchtown Township Fire Department, Monroe Community Ambulance, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit and Chaplain Program assisted at the scene.

The investigation remains ongoing and is being conducted by Lieutenant Brian Quinn and Deputy Sheriffs Alec Preadmore and Steven Warren of the Traffic Services Division.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 734-240-7541.

As investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision, Heiss’s family and loved ones are left mourning his sudden death. Taylor remains hospitalized as he continues to receive treatment for his serious injuries.

Additional information may be released as the investigation continues.