16-Year-Old Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on U.S. 127

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Police have identified the 16-year-old killed in a wrong-way crash on U.S. 127 near Jackson, Michigan as Rickie Pickens. The crash happened around 7:30 p.m. on February 19 when a sedan driven by a 36-year-old Jackson woman was traveling north in the southbound lanes at a high rate of speed and struck a pickup truck head-on. Pickens, a passenger in the sedan, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Why it matters

Wrong-way crashes on highways are extremely dangerous and often fatal. This incident highlights the need for improved highway safety measures and enforcement to prevent such tragic accidents, especially those involving suspected impaired driving.

The details

Investigators say the sedan driven by the 36-year-old Jackson woman was traveling north in the southbound lanes of U.S. 127 at a high rate of speed when it struck the fully loaded pickup truck head-on. A third vehicle was also sideswiped in the initial impact. Pickens, a sophomore at Jackson High School and member of the junior varsity football team, was pronounced dead at the scene. The sedan driver and pickup truck driver were both taken to the hospital with serious injuries, while occupants of the third vehicle were not seriously hurt.

• The crash happened around 7:30 p.m. on February 19, 2026.
• Pickens was pronounced dead at the scene.

What’s next

The investigation continues, and the case will be forwarded to the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office pending state police lab results.