Investigation continues in Monroe County crash

4/20/2006

MONROE Authorities are continuing their investigation of a van-pickup crash that occurred Tuesday in Monroe County on M-50 and left a Monroe woman dead and her two young children critically injured.

Sheffield Henderson, 57, of River Rouge, Mich., was westbound on M-50 about 4:15 p.m. when the pickup he was driving crossed the center line and struck a minivan driven by Leslie Thompson, 26, of Monroe, who was eastbound on M-50, sheriff s deputies said.

Mrs. Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene. Two passengers in her van, Nathan Thompson, 4, and Emily Thompson, 1, were taken by air ambulance to St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, where a spokesman said they were in critical condition yesterday.

Mr. Henderson was taken to Mercy Memorial Hospital, Monroe, where he was in the intensive care unit yesterday.

A hospital nurse declined to give his condition.

The two drivers were wearing safety belts and the children were restrained in child seats, deputies said.