Family members, friends, and loved ones are mourning the tragic loss of Paul M. DeVito, 38, of Plantation, Florida, who died Monday afternoon following a collision involving an SUV and a semi-truck on northbound U.S. 23 in Whiteford Township, Michigan.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 1:19 p.m. on June 29, 2026, to the area near the U.S. 223 interchange after receiving reports of a serious traffic collision.
Investigators with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Division said DeVito was driving a white 2021 Toyota RAV4 in the right northbound lane when, for reasons that remain under investigation, the SUV struck the rear of a trailer being pulled by a white 2024 Volvo semi-tractor.
The semi-truck was operated by Herney D. Pena-Fajardo, 43, of Lenox, Massachusetts.
Authorities said the impact caused the Toyota RAV4 to rotate several times, during which DeVito was ejected from the vehicle. Both DeVito and the SUV came to rest in a ditch along the east side of the highway. The semi-truck remained under control, and its driver safely brought the vehicle to a stop in the right travel lane.
DeVito sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials reported that traffic was already heavily congested because of a lane closure farther north on U.S. 23 at the time of the crash. Investigators confirmed that both drivers were wearing seat belts, the Toyota’s airbags deployed, and alcohol is not believed to have been a contributing factor.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by multiple agencies, including local fire departments, Monroe Community Ambulance, the Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and additional sheriff’s office personnel who helped with traffic control and the investigation.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Division continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. No additional information has been released regarding what caused the crash.
News of Paul M. DeVito’s passing has saddened family members, friends, and members of the Plantation community. Loved ones are remembering him while mourning the sudden loss of a life cut short.
Funeral and memorial service arrangements have not yet been publicly announced. His family is expected to release additional information when plans have been finalized.
Heartfelt condolences are extended to the family and friends of Paul M. DeVito during this difficult time. May they find comfort in the memories they shared, strength in the support of loved ones, and peace as they mourn his passing.
May Paul M. DeVito rest in eternal peace. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.