According to a press release from Undersheriff Ryan Schiller of the Oceana County Sheriff's Office, "At approximately 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, Mason-Oceana 911 received a report of a two-vehicle crash. (The) caller to 911 reported that each vehicle had one occupant and both were injured. The drivers of both vehicles died at the scene."
The crash took place on Oceana Drive, south of Webster Road in Grant Township. "The two vehicles involved were both traveling opposite directions, and they struck nearly head-on. The driver of a 2014 Chevy Malibu was identified as Austin Martinez, a 21-year-old from New Era. Martinez was a graduate of Hart High School. The driver of a 2021 Black Hyundai Tucson was identified as Graciela Esqueda, a 64-year-old Shelby resident.
"When emergency responders arrived, they found both drivers pinned in their respective vehicles. Grant Township Fire used the jaws of life to extricate both drivers. AeroMed was requested and landed at the scene and assisted Life EMS paramedics. Oceana Drive remained closed until 6:22 p.m.
"The cause of the crash is still under investigation. (A) crash reconstructionist responded to the scene and will be conducting further investigation. Our deepest condolences go out to both families and friends of the two individuals involved.
"Assisting at the scene were the Rothbury Police Department, Grant Township Fire & Rescue, Michigan State Police, Oceana County Sheriff's Office, OCSO Victims Services, AeroMed of Corewell Health and Life EMS."
