Driver dies several days after car crashes into tree

The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office responded to a vehicle accident in Columbia Township February 12 around 6 p.m. after a car struck a tree.

Deputies say a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer struck a tree at Baseline Road and 64th Street.

The driver, 57-year-old Joseph Scholze, told deputies he was changing lanes to pass another vehicle when he lost control and struck a tree.

Scholze suffered serious injuries in the crash and died on Wednesday February 17 at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

Deputies said the accident happened during heavy snowfall. They said speed and road conditions were a factor in the accident.

They also believe the driver was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.