Holland Department of Public Safety Police and Fire units responded to a fatal accident at 8th St./Dartmouth Ave. on 05/13/20 at approximately 8:20 pm. Police and fire responders found a single vehicle accident, where a Dodge Nitro had struck a utility pole, taking power lines down, and was rolled on its side up against a large tree. Police, Fire and Paramedics worked together to extract the occupants and provide medical aid, however were delayed by the downed power lines and called in BPW to assist.
Holland Police Accident Re-constructionists were called in to investigate. Officers determined from the investigation and witness interviews that the vehicle was westbound on 8th Street, drifted off the road into the curb, struck a utility pole and then rolled on its side, striking the large tree with the roof of the car. The vehicle had 3 adult occupants, and the damage was severe.
The driver, a 66 year old female and Holland resident, was transported by helicopter to Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids. The front seat passenger Lasondra Leffler, a 43 year old female and Holland Township resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. The back seat passenger, a 64 year old male and Holland resident, was transported to Holland Hospital.
Excessive speed is believed to be a factor in the accident, and witnesses did not see any other vehicles in the area. Accident Re-constructionists will continue to investigate the accident, and make a determination if there was other factors that affected the driver. If you have any information regarding this accident, please contact Sgt. Dan Kender at 616-355-1122 or d.kender@cityofholland.com