Excessive speed appears to be a factor in a crash that claimed the life of an Elkhart woman.

The collision happened around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the intersection of Corey Lake Road and County Line Road in Cass County’s Newberg Township.

Michigan State Police say the driver of a 2023 Chevy TrailBlazer was traveling on Corey Lake Road but lost control of the vehicle, ran off the road, and struck a tree.

Police say both occupants were ejected from the vehicle and suffered life-threatening injuries.

The passenger, a 23-year-old Elkhart woman, died at the hospital as a result of her injuries.

The 26-year-old Jones, Michigan man who was behind the wheel is in critical condition.

Troopers say evidence suggests neither occupant was buckled up.