55-Year-Old Missouri Car Hauler Driver Found Dead After Being Pinned for 30 Minutes Between Vehicle and Trailer Roof During Unloading at Metro Detroit Dealership — Hydraulic Failure Suspected
EASTPOINTE, MICHIGAN — A 55-year-old Missouri man who owned and operated his own car hauler was found dead Wednesday evening after becoming pinned between a vehicle and the roof of his trailer while unloading at a Metro Detroit car dealership.
Police, fire, and EMS crews were called to Gravity Auto Sales on Gratiot Avenue near 10 Mile Road in Eastpointe, Macomb County, at approximately 5:40 p.m. on March 4, 2026. Officers arrived to find the truck owner and delivery driver had become pinned between a vehicle inside the trailer and the roof of the car hauler while unloading. Investigators believe he had been trapped for at least 30 minutes before police arrived. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Photo credit: Metro Detroit News
A person on scene indicated the incident may have been caused by a hydraulic failure, though investigators have not confirmed the cause. There is no suspicion of foul play. The Macomb County Technical Rescue Team was called to the scene to assist with the extrication of the body. First responders remained on scene for several hours.
The victim has been identified only as a 55-year-old man from Missouri. No further information about his identity has been released.
"Unfortunately, when the officers arrived, the man was already deceased," police said. "The Eastpointe Police Department extends its condolences to the friends and family of the deceased."
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