Police Investigate Unusual Death of Saginaw Woman in Bridgeport Township

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Police are investigating the bizarre death of a 43-year-old Saginaw woman, Lakesha S. Essex, who was found disoriented and bleeding in a water puddle near Williamson Road in Bridgeport Township, Michigan. A 43-year-old Bay City man was arrested at the scene on charges of operating while intoxicated causing death and possessing cocaine, but was later released pending further investigation.

Why it matters

This incident raises questions about the circumstances surrounding Essex's death and the potential involvement of the arrested man. Authorities are seeking answers to determine the cause and manner of Essex's death, which appears to be unusual and unexplained based on the initial details.

The details

Around 1:30 a.m. on March 11, a civilian called 911 to report a woman screaming for help in the Williamson Road area. Michigan State Police troopers responded and found Essex lying in a large water puddle, speaking but disoriented with a bleeding nose. A black 2013 Chevrolet Equinox was stuck in the mud nearby with the Bay City man behind the wheel. It is unclear how Essex ended up in the puddle or if a traffic crash occurred. Essex was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased. An autopsy is planned to determine the cause and manner of her death, and toxicology results could take several months.

• On March 11, 2026, around 1:30 a.m., a 911 call was made reporting a woman screaming for help.
• On March 11, 2026, Michigan State Police troopers responded to the scene and found Essex in the water puddle.
• On March 11, 2026, Essex was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

What’s next

Investigators are asking anyone with information to call them at 989-495-5555. The autopsy and toxicology results are expected to provide more clarity on the cause and manner of Essex's death.