INGHAM COUNTY, MI – A devastating single-vehicle crash in Lansing early Saturday morning claimed the lives of 21-year-old Nathan Pentecost Jr. and 20-year-old Cheniya Rogers, leaving three others injured.

According to the Lansing Police Department, the crash happened around 4:30 a.m. on the 300 block of West Oakland Avenue. Authorities reported that the vehicle, carrying five people, struck a utility pole with significant force.

Emergency responders pronounced Pentecost and Rogers dead at the scene. Three other passengers were rushed to a local hospital, where one remained in critical condition. The two others sustained injuries that have not yet been detailed by officials.

Investigators believe speed and alcohol were likely contributing factors in the crash, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation. Police have not yet released information about the driver or the identities of the surviving passengers.

This tragedy adds to the troubling statistics of roadway fatalities nationwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 42,500 people died in U.S. motor vehicle crashes in 2022.

Legal analysts emphasize that accident investigations typically include reviewing road conditions, vehicle evidence, and witness statements to fully understand what occurred. In cases involving fatalities, families may also have the option to pursue a wrongful death claim to help address the emotional and financial impact of their loss.

“The grief that follows the sudden death of a loved one is overwhelming,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal. “Ensuring families have their rights protected is essential during such a painful time.”

As the investigation continues, the families of Nathan Pentecost Jr. and Cheniya Rogers are left to mourn the loss of two young lives taken far too soon.