1 P.M. WEDNESDAY UPDATE ON VEHICLE IN BLACK RIVER
(ST. CLAIR COUNTY) – Port Huron Police confirmed an occupant of the vehicle, Corey Michelle Pratto, a 26 year old female passed away at McLaren Port Huron Hospital. All three of her children were flown out of local hospitals and are currently in critical condition with family members at their side.
University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor is treating the six year old and three year old females. Children’s Hospital in Detroit is treating the five year old male.
A 26 year old male, who is the boyfriend of the driver, advised police that he was the front seat passenger. He stated Corey was having trouble with the brakes prior to the crash.
She was unable to stop the vehicle so he tried to put the gear shift into park, but was unsuccessful. He knew he was unable to swim, so he jumped out of the moving vehicle prior to making impact with the water.
The deceased will be examined by the St. Clair County Medical Examiner’s Office and an
autopsy will be performed. The investigation is still on going.
PREVIOUSLY RELEASED:
On November 30, 2021 at 3:57 p.m., Central Dispatch received a call that a passenger vehicle drove through the parking lot west of 10th Street, off of Glenwood Avenue, into the Black River. A 26 year old male passenger jumped from the vehicle before it entered the water. Port Huron Police and Fire Departments responded.
The driver, a 26 year old female Port Huron resident, and three children ages 3, 5, and 7 were rescued by Port Huron Fire Department rapid divers.
The St. Clair County Dive Team responded and assisted with the third and fourth extrications. All patients were transported by TriHospital EMS.
Two patients went to McLaren Port Huron Hospital and two were transported to Lake Huron Medical Center.
At this time of this writing, 5:20 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard had established a security zone in the Black River while the St. Clair County Dive Team and Preferred Towing work to remove the submerged vehicle from the river.
The Port Huron Criminal Investigative Division and the Major Crimes Unit are investigating.
