Troy Man Dead After Running Himself Over: Police

TROY, MI — A 90-year-old Berkley man died Monday after accidentally running himself over, according to the Troy Police Department. Richard Blanchard was in the parking lot at 4600 Investment Drive, which sits south of W. Long Lake and just west of Crooks Road, when the mishap occurred at about 1:15 p.m., police reports said.

Investigators believe that Blanchard parked his vehicle and was attempting to turn it off via a push button. Reports said the driver side door was open and Blanchard was ejected when the car instead accelerated into reverse. He was run over by the vehicle and also smashed into four parked vehicles.

Medical staff from a nearby office responded to the scene and rendered aid to Blanchard until an emergency unit from Alliance Mobile Health arrived. The 90-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, Troy Police reports said. The Oakland County Medical Examiner also responded.

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No other injuries were reported. Blanchard was the lone occupant of the vehicle. Police said he was at the location for an appointment.

Troy Police said the incident is under investigation. Witnesses are asked to contact the department at 248-524-3477.

File photo