On January 05, 2012 Firefighter Daniel Armitage was struck and killed by vehicles, while he was on the side of the road changing his flat tire. Armitage's wife was recently hospitalized and was on a ventilator. The Bloomfield Township PD were currently investigating Firefighter Armitage for a domestic violence incident.
Questions began to surface regarding the death of Firefighter Armitage, when Bloomfield Township Lt. Phil Langmeyer: "The Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic violence assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Ct."
More mystery around the death of Firefighter Armitage. State police tested Armitage's tire and discovered that it was not flat. Witnesses saw Armitage lying in the middle of the right lane before he was hit...approximately 15 feet away from his vehicle. Medical examiner has not yet ruled if Armitage's death was a suicide. Police say Armitage's world was crumbling. His wife had been hospitalized and told police about years of physical abuse.
Medical examiner ruled that Firefighter Armitage committed suicide. There are also questions concerning the domestic violence incident [January 01, 2012] that left Armitage's wife hospitalized.
Firefighter Daniel Armitage was killed when he was hit by vehicles while he was changing a flat tire on the shoulder of I-696. At one point, while Armitage was changing his flat tire he ended up on the ground and in the right lane of traffic. He was hit by several vehicles. Police believe that several vehicles hit Armitage, they don't know how many.
Police still continuing their investigation into the death of Firefighter Armitage. Firefighters at the Ann Arbor FD, where Armitage had worked, were devastated that Armitage had been a victim of the horrific accident on I-696. Armitage was a great, great person; he was loved and would be missed, according to Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard. Everyone remembered Armitage as a great man and a great family man.
Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard discusses the loss and death of Firefighter Daniel Armitage in an early morning 'accident' on I-696 on January 05, 2012.
Michigan State Police still investigating the death of Firefighter Daniel Armitage.
Police questioning whether Firefighter Armitage's death was an accident. Michigan State Police at first believed that Armitage was fixing a flat tire, but they discovered the tire was not flat. Armitage was hit and killed after being hit by several vehicles. The State Police were awaiting the results from the Medical Examiner. At the time of his death, Armitage's wife was in the hospital in the ICU. Armitage had been involved in a domestic violence incident with his wife.
Daniel E. Armitage
December 15, 1970 - January 5, 2012
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Armitage, Daniel Ekern, Jan. 5, 2012, age 41. Husband of Christine Klahre Armitage. Father of Cole, Chase and Clay. Son of Linda and the late Gordon Armitage. Brother of Lisa Armitage. Also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. Long time Ann Arbor firefighter and contractor. In lieu of flowers, donations suggested to the fund named Health and Welfare of the Armitage Children at any Flagstar Bank branch or c/o 2600 Crooks Rd, Troy, MI 48084.
http://www.tributes.com/show/Daniel-E.-Armitage-93089155
Firefighter changing tire struck and killed on WB I-696 near Farmington Road in Farmington Hills
WXYZ NEWS- Detroit
January 05, 2012
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/oakland_county/pedestrian-struck--killed-on-wb-i-696-near-farmington-road-in-farmington-hills
Ann Arbor Firefighter Daniel Armitage Killed on I-696
My FOX Detroit
Jan 05, 2012
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/18445218/ann-arbor-firefighter-daniel-armitage-killed-on-i-696
Witnesses are being sought for an accident that took the life of a West Bloomfield Township resident who worked as an Ann Arbor firefighter.
Daniel Armitage, 41, died after he was struck by vehicles in a traffic accident about 6:30 a.m. Thursday on Interstate 696 near Farmington Road in Farmington Hills.
Michigan State Police are attempting to find witnesses to find out how Armitage ended up in the westbound lane.
Investigators have determined Armitage was on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 changing a tire before the accident occurred, troopers said.
Armitage ended up in the right lane of the freeway at some point and was struck by multiple drivers unable to avoid him, troopers said.
One motorist suffered minor injuries after crashing into the median attempting to avoid the accident, troopers said.
Armitage was married with three young children. He worked as a driver for the Ann Arbor Fire Department.
“He was a great guy,” Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard said. “Good family man, had a great personality, just a great asset to the department in his 16 years.
“It's a very sad, sad day here. It's a loss to the department and a loss to the community.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Michigan
UPDATE: ChronicleOnline.com, a Lorain County, OH-based news source, reported today that a West Bloomfield, MI man told a North Ridgeville, OH police officer that he was among several motorists who struck the pedestrian killed on I-696 near Farmington Rd. this morning.
The Detroit Free Press reported this afternoon that the victim was Bloomfield Township resident Daniel E. Armitage, 41, an Ann Arbor firefighter.
A motorist who tried to avoid the crash, along with his two children, also suffered injuries, the newspaper reported.
ChronicleOnline.com reported the West Bloomfield man didn't stop because he thought he had run over "the remains of a deer".
Motorists told Farmington-Farmington Hills Patch early this morning that west 12 Mile Road and I-696 were "parking lots", as police investigated the accident.
WJBK-TV Channel 2 reported that west I-696 was closed at Orchard Lake Rd., Telegraph and Northwestern Hwy. The highway reopened before 1 p.m.
Multiple news sources reported the man was changing a tire when he was struck by several cars. The Free Press reports the accident scene stretched 100 yards down the highway.
Michigan State Police ask that anyone with information about the accident call 248-584-5740.
Ann Arbor firefirefighter Dan Armitage was a good firefighter and family man and a “great all-around person,” Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard said Thursday.
Armitage, 41, died Thursday when he was struck and killed while changing a tire on Interstate 696 in Farmington Hills, Michigan State Police said.
"Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan’s tragic death," Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard said in a statement. "As Dan's identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all."
Armitage, 41, of West Bloomfield Township was hit by at least three vehicles just after 6:30 a.m., State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Detroit Free Press.
Matt Schroeder, president of the Ann Arbor firefighters union, said the news hit fellow firefighters hard Thursday.
"We hired on together in 1995," he said of Armitage. "He was a fantastic professional fireman who loved his family and he did his job well every day, and he's going to be greatly missed by our department. We'll do whatever we can to support the family."
Schroeder said Armitage was a driver at Engine 6 at the Briarwood fire station on Ann Arbor's south side. He was married with young children.
A preliminary investigation indicates Armitage was on the north shoulder of westbound 696 at Farmington Road changing a tire, state police said in a press release.
At some point, he ended up on the ground in the right lane of the freeway and was hit by the vehicles whose drivers were unable to avoid him.
Another vehicle crashed into the median wall, and the driver suffered minor injuries, the release stated.
Armitage is the second Ann Arbor firefighter in six years to die when struck by a vehicle along a freeway. Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt died in January 2006 from injuries suffered when she was struck at an accident scene on I-94 in Ann Arbor by a pickup truck that spun out of control on the icy road.
FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) - Police say an Ann Arbor firefighter was changing a tire when he was struck and killed on I-696 in Farmington Hills Thursday morning.
Michigan State Police told New sradio 950 WWJ the victim, a 41-year-old Bloomfield Township man, was trying to change a flat tire on a car parked on the shoulder of westbound I-696 near Farmington Road, when he was hit by a passing vehicle around 6:30 a.m.
The victim has been identified as Daniel Armitage, a father of three.
WWJ spoke with Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard who said Armitage had been with the department for 16 years and was on his way to being promoted to lieutenant. He called Armitage’s death a “huge, huge loss” for his fellow firefighters.
“We come to work on a daily basis knowing that that could be our last day, but when something happens off-duty like that you just don’t plan for that. You don’t even think about that,” Hubbard said. “He’s a young man, you know. His whole future was in front of him. It’s just awful.”
Trooper Mark Tinney said after the initial crash there was a second crash. He said Armitage was struck several times by passing cars.
“Probably after or at the same time, it looks like it was an accident caused by vehicles avoiding some of the debris, maybe avoiding what was going on, moved over to the left and this vehicle lost control trying to avoid another vehicle,” said Tinney.
That vehicle struck the median wall, sending a man and two children to the hospital with minor injuries.
Dwayne Gillenn who works at a business just off the freeway said it was a gruesome scene. He was arriving to work when he heard the screeching of tires and rushed to the perimeter fence where he saw the carnage.
“It’s a sight I’m never going to forget, I can tell you that,” Gillenn told WWJ News radio 950′s Ron Dewey. “I don’t know if the person was talking on the phone or texting or just driving too fast, who knows those things you know, but I can tell you this, they shouldn’t have been doing whatever they were doing.”
Police are looking for the public’s help in piecing together exactly what happened. As of Thursday afternoon, no one had been charged related to the incident.
“We need anybody who might have seen the accident or was in the area at the time to help us with some information. We need to talk to anybody who might have been involved, saw anything, or who might have run over something in the road, might have thought it was something else, we need to talk to them,” said Tinney.
Anyone with information is asked to call Michigan State Police at (248) 584-5740.
Westbound I-696 past Northwestern Highway was closed for a few hours but has since reopened.
A gruesome scene after a local husband, father and firefighter is struck by several cars on westbound I-696 near Farmington Road on Thursday morning.
Police say it appears 41-year-old Daniel Armitage of Bloomfield Township was changing a tire before he somehow ended up in the freeway.
Farmington Hills MI News - 41-year-old Daniel Armitage of Bloomfield Township was killed this morning as he appeared to be changing a flat tire on his BMW SUV along side Westbound I-696 just after 6:30 AM.
According to a news release, Armitage was on the north shoulder of westbound I-696. He was an Ann Arbor firefighter, and was killed after being hit by three vehicles as he somehow ended up in the shoulder lane of I-696.
Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Detroit Free Press that "Armitage was lying down in the right lane."
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office was on the accident scene, and later reported his death as a suicide. The accident scene stretched more than 100 yards down the I-696 highway.
A father and his two children were hospitalized after their vehicle hit the median while trying to avoid the crash scene where Armitage was hit and killed.
Ann Arbor Fire Department Chief Chuck Hubbard said the loss of Dan Armitage came as a shock.
About 400 people showed for Dan Armitage's Funeral, that took place on January 10th, 2012.
Police are still searching for witnesses to try and piece together what happened the day Dan Armitage was killed.
Just about a week prior to this incident, Eastern Michigan University Police Chief Greg O'Dell also committed suicide. His death was reported just a day after Christmas.
O'Dell died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was found on Huron River Drive in Ann Arbor MI, not far from his vehicle. Police began looking for O'Dell after receiving a call from a concerned family member.
O'Dell had an almost 20-year career with the Ann Arbor Police Department.
New details are emerging that have police questioning if the firefighter's death was an accident
WXYZ NEWS - Detroit
January 06, 2012
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/oakland_county/new-details-are-emerging-that-have-police-questioning-if-the-firefighters-death-was-an-accident
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/oakland_county/pedestrian-struck--killed-on-wb-i-696-near-farmington-road-in-farmington-hills
My FOX Detroit
Jan 05, 2012
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/18445218/ann-arbor-firefighter-daniel-armitage-killed-on-i-696
Mich. firefighter killed while changing tire
Police: Firefighter Daniel E. Armitage, 41, with department for 16 years, was struck by car, then hit by several other vehicles
Fire Rescue One
The Detroit News
Police: Firefighter Daniel E. Armitage, 41, with department for 16 years, was struck by car, then hit by several other vehicles
Fire Rescue One
The Detroit News
January 05, 2012
http://www.firerescue1.com/firefighter-safety/articles/1214810-Mich-firefighter-killed-while-changing-tire/
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — For the second time in six years, the Ann Arbor Fire Department has lost a firefighter in a freeway crash.
Early Thursday morning, Daniel E. Armitage — a 16-year department veteran — was struck and killed by a car while changing a tire on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road.
The 41-year-old West Bloomfield Township resident's death comes nearly six years to the day after Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt was struck from behind by an out-of-control pickup on an icy section of Interstate 94 at Jackson Street on Jan. 7, 2006.
Schnearle-Pennywitt, 34, was helping at the scene of a five-car pileup caused by icy roads when she was hit and gravely injured. She died six days later.
"They were both great people and great firefighters," department Chief Chuck Hubbard said.
"Everybody loved Dan, he was just a fun-loving person and a great father to his three children. I can't say enough about him; he's going to be missed."
City official Steve Powers echoed Hubbard's sentiments.
"The city is shocked and saddened by the death of firefighter Armitage," he said. "This is especially hard on the Fire Department, which has lost a friend and colleague. Our thoughts are with his family."
Powers said the city would consider at a later time lowering city flags in memory of Armitage.
The accident occurred at about 6:30 a.m., according to Lt. Phil Meena of the Metro North Post of the Michigan State Police.
"He had pulled off onto the shoulder of the road," he said. "We found a tire and jack near the front wheel on the driver's side. He was struck by a car and then hit by several other vehicles."
According to Mena, one vehicle swerved to avoid the area and hit the freeway's retaining wall. One person had minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
The incident completely closed the westbound lanes from Farmington Road to Telegraph Road. The freeway reopened at about noon.
Armitage was a driver/operator at the Briarwood station in the southern portion of Ann Arbor.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete.
"We haven't yet talked to the family to find out what their wishes are," said
Hubbard, who has been with the Fire Department for 26 years.
"But whatever they want is what we're going to give them."
This marks the second time in a week a pedestrian has died on a Metro Detroit freeway.
On Friday, a man was struck and killed by a truck while walking in traffic on eastbound Interstate 96 near Michigan Avenue in Detroit.
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — For the second time in six years, the Ann Arbor Fire Department has lost a firefighter in a freeway crash.
Early Thursday morning, Daniel E. Armitage — a 16-year department veteran — was struck and killed by a car while changing a tire on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road.
The 41-year-old West Bloomfield Township resident's death comes nearly six years to the day after Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt was struck from behind by an out-of-control pickup on an icy section of Interstate 94 at Jackson Street on Jan. 7, 2006.
Schnearle-Pennywitt, 34, was helping at the scene of a five-car pileup caused by icy roads when she was hit and gravely injured. She died six days later.
"They were both great people and great firefighters," department Chief Chuck Hubbard said.
"Everybody loved Dan, he was just a fun-loving person and a great father to his three children. I can't say enough about him; he's going to be missed."
City official Steve Powers echoed Hubbard's sentiments.
"The city is shocked and saddened by the death of firefighter Armitage," he said. "This is especially hard on the Fire Department, which has lost a friend and colleague. Our thoughts are with his family."
Powers said the city would consider at a later time lowering city flags in memory of Armitage.
The accident occurred at about 6:30 a.m., according to Lt. Phil Meena of the Metro North Post of the Michigan State Police.
"He had pulled off onto the shoulder of the road," he said. "We found a tire and jack near the front wheel on the driver's side. He was struck by a car and then hit by several other vehicles."
According to Mena, one vehicle swerved to avoid the area and hit the freeway's retaining wall. One person had minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
The incident completely closed the westbound lanes from Farmington Road to Telegraph Road. The freeway reopened at about noon.
Armitage was a driver/operator at the Briarwood station in the southern portion of Ann Arbor.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete.
"We haven't yet talked to the family to find out what their wishes are," said
Hubbard, who has been with the Fire Department for 26 years.
"But whatever they want is what we're going to give them."
This marks the second time in a week a pedestrian has died on a Metro Detroit freeway.
On Friday, a man was struck and killed by a truck while walking in traffic on eastbound Interstate 96 near Michigan Avenue in Detroit.
Man killed on I-696 in Farmington Hills identified as Ann Arbor firefighter
The Oakland Press
The Oakland Press
Daniel Armitage, 41, died after he was struck by vehicles in a traffic accident about 6:30 a.m. Thursday on Interstate 696 near Farmington Road in Farmington Hills.
Michigan State Police are attempting to find witnesses to find out how Armitage ended up in the westbound lane.
Investigators have determined Armitage was on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 changing a tire before the accident occurred, troopers said.
Armitage ended up in the right lane of the freeway at some point and was struck by multiple drivers unable to avoid him, troopers said.
One motorist suffered minor injuries after crashing into the median attempting to avoid the accident, troopers said.
Armitage was married with three young children. He worked as a driver for the Ann Arbor Fire Department.
“He was a great guy,” Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard said. “Good family man, had a great personality, just a great asset to the department in his 16 years.
“It's a very sad, sad day here. It's a loss to the department and a loss to the community.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Michigan
UPDATED: Michigan State Police Identify Victim in I-696 Accident
The Detroit Free Press reports the Ann Arbor firefighter was a Bloomfield Township resident
Bloomfield Hills Patch
January 5, 2012
bloomfield-mi.patch.com/articles/michigan-state-police-identify-victim-in-i-696-accident
The Detroit Free Press reports the Ann Arbor firefighter was a Bloomfield Township resident
Bloomfield Hills Patch
January 5, 2012
bloomfield-mi.patch.com/articles/michigan-state-police-identify-victim-in-i-696-accident
UPDATE: ChronicleOnline.com, a Lorain County, OH-based news source, reported today that a West Bloomfield, MI man told a North Ridgeville, OH police officer that he was among several motorists who struck the pedestrian killed on I-696 near Farmington Rd. this morning.
The Detroit Free Press reported this afternoon that the victim was Bloomfield Township resident Daniel E. Armitage, 41, an Ann Arbor firefighter.
A motorist who tried to avoid the crash, along with his two children, also suffered injuries, the newspaper reported.
ChronicleOnline.com reported the West Bloomfield man didn't stop because he thought he had run over "the remains of a deer".
Motorists told Farmington-Farmington Hills Patch early this morning that west 12 Mile Road and I-696 were "parking lots", as police investigated the accident.
WJBK-TV Channel 2 reported that west I-696 was closed at Orchard Lake Rd., Telegraph and Northwestern Hwy. The highway reopened before 1 p.m.
Multiple news sources reported the man was changing a tire when he was struck by several cars. The Free Press reports the accident scene stretched 100 yards down the highway.
Michigan State Police ask that anyone with information about the accident call 248-584-5740.
ANN ARBOR: City firefighters mourn loss of one of their own
Heritage News
Heritage News
January 05, 2012
heritage.com/articles/2012/01/05/ann_arbor_journal/news/doc4f061977344ae939330381.txt
A pedestrian struck and killed by a vehicle Thursday morning while changing his tire on I-696 in Farmington Hills has been identified as Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage.
The city Fire Department is mourning the loss of Armitage, a 41-year-old West Bloomfield Township resident, who served with the department 16 years.
"Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan's tragic death," said Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard. "As Dan's identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department.
"This is a very difficult time for us all."
Michigan State Police identified Armitage as the victim of the accident.
Preliminary details indicate Armitage was on the north shoulder changing a tire before being struck by a passing vehicle, troopers said.
The accident happened just before 6:30 a.m.
Another vehicle crashed in an attempt to avoid the accident, troopers said. No injuries were reported from this second collision.
Armitage joined the Ann Arbor Fire Department in 1995.
A section of westbound I-696 was shut down while police investigated the accident. Westbound traffic on I-696 from Telegraph Road to Interstate 275 was rerouted onto Orchard Lake Road.
OFF-DUTY ANN ARBOR FF KILLED WHILE CHANGING TIRE
Firefighter Close Calls
January 5, 2012
heritage.com/articles/2012/01/05/ann_arbor_journal/news/doc4f061977344ae939330381.txt
The city Fire Department is mourning the loss of Armitage, a 41-year-old West Bloomfield Township resident, who served with the department 16 years.
"Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan's tragic death," said Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard. "As Dan's identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department.
"This is a very difficult time for us all."
Michigan State Police identified Armitage as the victim of the accident.
Preliminary details indicate Armitage was on the north shoulder changing a tire before being struck by a passing vehicle, troopers said.
The accident happened just before 6:30 a.m.
Another vehicle crashed in an attempt to avoid the accident, troopers said. No injuries were reported from this second collision.
Armitage joined the Ann Arbor Fire Department in 1995.
A section of westbound I-696 was shut down while police investigated the accident. Westbound traffic on I-696 from Telegraph Road to Interstate 275 was rerouted onto Orchard Lake Road.
OFF-DUTY ANN ARBOR FF KILLED WHILE CHANGING TIRE
Firefighter Close Calls
January 5, 2012
A 41-year-old firefighter was killed Thursday morning when he was hit by several cars on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road.
Michigan State Police said Daniel Armitage was outside of his SUV on the side of the road when he was hit by at least three cars just before 7 a.m. They said he may have been changing a tire.
"I've been doing this for 22 years and this is the worst scene I've been at," said MSP trooper Paul Shunia. "We think he was definitely in the road when he was hit and it was dark out, early in the morning."
Armitage had been an Ann Arbor firefighter since 1995.
"Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan's tragic death,” said Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard in a statement. "As Dan's identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all."
Mick Folsom said he and his sons were on I-696 on their way to school when a semi-truck swerved in front of them to avoid the earlier incident with Armitage.
Folsom said he lost control and hit the center median.
“I’ve thought about it a lot," said Folsom, who has a broken toe.
His 16-year-old son, Max, was riding in the front seat. He has a separated shoulder. He told Local 4, "It was very nerve-racking."
Folsom's 13-year-old son, Jake, was in the back seat and has only bruises.
"My heart was thumping. I was scared. I didn’t know what to do,” he said.
Two other people were taken to a hospital for minor injuries and have since been released.
Westbound I-696 between Telegraph Road and Interstate 275 was closed for more than five hours
Michigan State Police said Daniel Armitage was outside of his SUV on the side of the road when he was hit by at least three cars just before 7 a.m. They said he may have been changing a tire.
"I've been doing this for 22 years and this is the worst scene I've been at," said MSP trooper Paul Shunia. "We think he was definitely in the road when he was hit and it was dark out, early in the morning."
Armitage had been an Ann Arbor firefighter since 1995.
"Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan's tragic death,” said Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard in a statement. "As Dan's identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all."
Mick Folsom said he and his sons were on I-696 on their way to school when a semi-truck swerved in front of them to avoid the earlier incident with Armitage.
Folsom said he lost control and hit the center median.
“I’ve thought about it a lot," said Folsom, who has a broken toe.
His 16-year-old son, Max, was riding in the front seat. He has a separated shoulder. He told Local 4, "It was very nerve-racking."
Folsom's 13-year-old son, Jake, was in the back seat and has only bruises.
"My heart was thumping. I was scared. I didn’t know what to do,” he said.
Two other people were taken to a hospital for minor injuries and have since been released.
Westbound I-696 between Telegraph Road and Interstate 275 was closed for more than five hours
Firefighter changing tire struck & killed on WB I-696 near Farmington Road in Farmington Hills
WXYZ NEWS- Detroit
WXYZ NEWS- Detroit
Jan 05, 2012
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/oakland_county/pedestrian-struck--killed-on-wb-i-696-near-farmington-road-in-farmington-hills
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) -An Ann Arbor firefighter was hit and killed on I-696 westbound near Farmington Road Thursday morning.
The victim has been identified as 41-year-old Daniel Armitage of Bloomfield Township. He had been an Ann Arbor firefighter since September 1995. Sources tell 7 Action News that Armitage was next in line to become a Lieutenant.
Coworkers describe Armitage as a dedicated fireman and wonderful family man. He is survived by his wife and three young children.
The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. Police report Armitage died from his injuries and at least one other person was hurt in the accident.
A preliminary investigation reveals Armitage was on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 changing a tire when he was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.
Police are still trying to piece together what happened. They say it is possible multiple vehicles were involved.
“We need to talk to anybody who might have been involved, saw anything, might have run over something in the road, might have thought it was something else. We need to talk,“ said Michigan State Police Trooper Mark Tinney.
One additional vehicle crashed attempting to avoid hitting Armitage.
Westbound I-696 WB between Northwestern Hwy & Farmington Road has re-opened after police closed it for nearly five hours.
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/oakland_county/pedestrian-struck--killed-on-wb-i-696-near-farmington-road-in-farmington-hills
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) -An Ann Arbor firefighter was hit and killed on I-696 westbound near Farmington Road Thursday morning.
The victim has been identified as 41-year-old Daniel Armitage of Bloomfield Township. He had been an Ann Arbor firefighter since September 1995. Sources tell 7 Action News that Armitage was next in line to become a Lieutenant.
Coworkers describe Armitage as a dedicated fireman and wonderful family man. He is survived by his wife and three young children.
The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. Police report Armitage died from his injuries and at least one other person was hurt in the accident.
A preliminary investigation reveals Armitage was on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 changing a tire when he was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.
Police are still trying to piece together what happened. They say it is possible multiple vehicles were involved.
“We need to talk to anybody who might have been involved, saw anything, might have run over something in the road, might have thought it was something else. We need to talk,“ said Michigan State Police Trooper Mark Tinney.
One additional vehicle crashed attempting to avoid hitting Armitage.
Westbound I-696 WB between Northwestern Hwy & Farmington Road has re-opened after police closed it for nearly five hours.
Firefighter killed after struck by car on I-696
The Michigan Daily
The Michigan Daily
January 5, 2012 - 12:05pm
michigandaily.com/blog/firefighter-killed-after-struck-car-i-696
Daniel Armitage, a firefighter for the Ann Arbor Fire Department for 16 years, was struck and killed early this morning by oncoming traffic on the shoulder of I-696 in Farmington Hills, according to a press release from the city of Ann Arbor.
The release notes that Armitage was trying to change his vehicle’s tire when he was killed.
AAFD Chief Chuck Hubbard said the loss of Armitage came as a shock.
“Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan’s tragic death,” Hubbard said in the press release. “As Dan’s identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all.”
michigandaily.com/blog/firefighter-killed-after-struck-car-i-696
The release notes that Armitage was trying to change his vehicle’s tire when he was killed.
AAFD Chief Chuck Hubbard said the loss of Armitage came as a shock.
“Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan’s tragic death,” Hubbard said in the press release. “As Dan’s identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all.”
Firefighters pay tribute to colleague killed while changing tire along I-696
Ann Arbor News
Ann Arbor News
Jan 5, 2012 : 12:27 p.m
http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-firefighter-struck-and-killed-on-i-696/
http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-firefighter-struck-and-killed-on-i-696/
Ann Arbor firefirefighter Dan Armitage was a good firefighter and family man and a “great all-around person,” Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard said Thursday.
Armitage, 41, died Thursday when he was struck and killed while changing a tire on Interstate 696 in Farmington Hills, Michigan State Police said.
"Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan’s tragic death," Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard said in a statement. "As Dan's identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all."
Armitage, 41, of West Bloomfield Township was hit by at least three vehicles just after 6:30 a.m., State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Detroit Free Press.
Matt Schroeder, president of the Ann Arbor firefighters union, said the news hit fellow firefighters hard Thursday.
"We hired on together in 1995," he said of Armitage. "He was a fantastic professional fireman who loved his family and he did his job well every day, and he's going to be greatly missed by our department. We'll do whatever we can to support the family."
Schroeder said Armitage was a driver at Engine 6 at the Briarwood fire station on Ann Arbor's south side. He was married with young children.
A preliminary investigation indicates Armitage was on the north shoulder of westbound 696 at Farmington Road changing a tire, state police said in a press release.
At some point, he ended up on the ground in the right lane of the freeway and was hit by the vehicles whose drivers were unable to avoid him.
Another vehicle crashed into the median wall, and the driver suffered minor injuries, the release stated.
Armitage is the second Ann Arbor firefighter in six years to die when struck by a vehicle along a freeway. Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt died in January 2006 from injuries suffered when she was struck at an accident scene on I-94 in Ann Arbor by a pickup truck that spun out of control on the icy road.
Man changing tire hit and killed on I-696; WB lanes now reopened
Detroit Free Press
Detroit Free Press
Jan. 5, 2012 - 12:58 PM
http://www.freep.com/article/20120105/NEWS03/120105003/I-696-westbound-in-Farmington-Hills-closed-after-pedestrian-hit?odyssey=tabtopnewstextFRONTPAGE
A 41-year-old Ann Arbor firefighter was killed this morning as he appeared to be changing a flat tire on the side of I-696 in Farmington Hills.
Daniel E. Armitage of Bloomfield Township died after he was hit by at least three vehicles, according to the Michigan State Police. He somehow ended up in the shoulder lane of westbound I-696 just after 6:30 a.m., Trooper Paul Shunia said.
"He was lying down in the right lane, but we don't know how he got there," Shunia said, standing near the man's white BMW SUV still parked on the side of the highway just under the Farmington Road bridge. Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office workers were on the scene, investigating the accident site, which stretched more than 100 yards down the highway.
"I've been doing this 22 years and this is literally the worst scene I've been at," Shunia said, standing on the grassy hill above the crash site.
Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard could not be reached today.
A father and his two children were also hospitalized after their grey Chevrolet Impala hit the median as the man tried to avoid the first crash, Shunia said. One of the children may have suffered a broken collarbone, he added. All are expected to survive.
The crash closed down westbound I-696 through the morning rush hour, also causing major back-ups in the eastbound lanes as drivers slowed near the accident site. The westbound lanes of the highway reopened at about 12:30 p.m. after being closed between Northwestern Highway and where the accident took place under the Farmington Road overpass.
Investigators would like anyone who saw the accident to call Michigan State Police North Post at 248-584-5740.
http://www.freep.com/article/20120105/NEWS03/120105003/I-696-westbound-in-Farmington-Hills-closed-after-pedestrian-hit?odyssey=tabtopnewstextFRONTPAGE
Police discuss accident scene on I-696: Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia discusses the accident scene behind him in which a 41-year-old Bloomfield Twp. man was killed while apparently changing a tire on the side of I-696. Tammy Stables Battaglia
A 41-year-old Ann Arbor firefighter was killed this morning as he appeared to be changing a flat tire on the side of I-696 in Farmington Hills.
Daniel E. Armitage of Bloomfield Township died after he was hit by at least three vehicles, according to the Michigan State Police. He somehow ended up in the shoulder lane of westbound I-696 just after 6:30 a.m., Trooper Paul Shunia said.
"He was lying down in the right lane, but we don't know how he got there," Shunia said, standing near the man's white BMW SUV still parked on the side of the highway just under the Farmington Road bridge. Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office workers were on the scene, investigating the accident site, which stretched more than 100 yards down the highway.
"I've been doing this 22 years and this is literally the worst scene I've been at," Shunia said, standing on the grassy hill above the crash site.
Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard could not be reached today.
A father and his two children were also hospitalized after their grey Chevrolet Impala hit the median as the man tried to avoid the first crash, Shunia said. One of the children may have suffered a broken collarbone, he added. All are expected to survive.
The crash closed down westbound I-696 through the morning rush hour, also causing major back-ups in the eastbound lanes as drivers slowed near the accident site. The westbound lanes of the highway reopened at about 12:30 p.m. after being closed between Northwestern Highway and where the accident took place under the Farmington Road overpass.
Investigators would like anyone who saw the accident to call Michigan State Police North Post at 248-584-5740.
Ann Arbor Firefighter Hit, Killed On I-696
CBS NEWS- Detroit
January 5, 2012 4:37 PM
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/01/05/police-investigate-fatal-pedestrian-accident-on-i-696/
CBS NEWS- Detroit
January 5, 2012 4:37 PM
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/01/05/police-investigate-fatal-pedestrian-accident-on-i-696/
Dan Armitage (credit: Ann Arbor Fire Department)
Police investigate accident (WWJ Photo/Ron Dewey)
FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) - Police say an Ann Arbor firefighter was changing a tire when he was struck and killed on I-696 in Farmington Hills Thursday morning.
Michigan State Police told New sradio 950 WWJ the victim, a 41-year-old Bloomfield Township man, was trying to change a flat tire on a car parked on the shoulder of westbound I-696 near Farmington Road, when he was hit by a passing vehicle around 6:30 a.m.
The victim has been identified as Daniel Armitage, a father of three.
WWJ spoke with Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard who said Armitage had been with the department for 16 years and was on his way to being promoted to lieutenant. He called Armitage’s death a “huge, huge loss” for his fellow firefighters.
“We come to work on a daily basis knowing that that could be our last day, but when something happens off-duty like that you just don’t plan for that. You don’t even think about that,” Hubbard said. “He’s a young man, you know. His whole future was in front of him. It’s just awful.”
Trooper Mark Tinney said after the initial crash there was a second crash. He said Armitage was struck several times by passing cars.
“Probably after or at the same time, it looks like it was an accident caused by vehicles avoiding some of the debris, maybe avoiding what was going on, moved over to the left and this vehicle lost control trying to avoid another vehicle,” said Tinney.
That vehicle struck the median wall, sending a man and two children to the hospital with minor injuries.
Dwayne Gillenn who works at a business just off the freeway said it was a gruesome scene. He was arriving to work when he heard the screeching of tires and rushed to the perimeter fence where he saw the carnage.
“It’s a sight I’m never going to forget, I can tell you that,” Gillenn told WWJ News radio 950′s Ron Dewey. “I don’t know if the person was talking on the phone or texting or just driving too fast, who knows those things you know, but I can tell you this, they shouldn’t have been doing whatever they were doing.”
Police are looking for the public’s help in piecing together exactly what happened. As of Thursday afternoon, no one had been charged related to the incident.
“We need anybody who might have seen the accident or was in the area at the time to help us with some information. We need to talk to anybody who might have been involved, saw anything, or who might have run over something in the road, might have thought it was something else, we need to talk to them,” said Tinney.
Anyone with information is asked to call Michigan State Police at (248) 584-5740.
Westbound I-696 past Northwestern Highway was closed for a few hours but has since reopened.
Ann Arbor Firefighter Daniel Armitage Killed on I-696
My FOX Detroit
My FOX Detroit
Jan 05, 2012 8:18 PM
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/18445218/ann-arbor-firefighter-daniel-armitage-killed-on-i-696
Police say it appears 41-year-old Daniel Armitage of Bloomfield Township was changing a tire before he somehow ended up in the freeway.
Play the video to get a complete report from Fox 2's Amy Lange. Play a second video to get new information from Fox 2's Ron Savage that involves a police investigation about a report of domestic violence on the block where Armitage lived.
Michigan State Police Trooper Mark Tinney said the Armitage was struck by several vehicles near Farmington Road around 6:30 a.m. His BMW SUV was parked on the freeway's north shoulder.
Several other accidents occurred as drivers tried to avoid the scene. Authorities were forced to close I-696 westbound beginning at Lahser, all the way out to the I-96/I-275 interchange as they investigated the scene. The road is now open.
Daniel Armitage leaves behind a wife, who's been in the hospital and we're told was recently on a ventilator, two twin six-year-old boys and another son -- age four.
Armitage was a firefighter with the City of Ann Arbor for 16 years. "Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan's tragic death," said Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard. "As Dan's identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all." Daniel Armitage joined the Ann Arbor Fire Department in 1995.
Friend and fellow firefighter Allan Perry says "it's a great loss... for a lot of people."
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/18445218/ann-arbor-firefighter-daniel-armitage-killed-on-i-696
A gruesome scene after a local husband, father and firefighter is struck by several cars on westbound I-696 near Farmington Road on Thursday morning.
Police say it appears 41-year-old Daniel Armitage of Bloomfield Township was changing a tire before he somehow ended up in the freeway.
Play the video to get a complete report from Fox 2's Amy Lange. Play a second video to get new information from Fox 2's Ron Savage that involves a police investigation about a report of domestic violence on the block where Armitage lived.
Michigan State Police Trooper Mark Tinney said the Armitage was struck by several vehicles near Farmington Road around 6:30 a.m. His BMW SUV was parked on the freeway's north shoulder.
Several other accidents occurred as drivers tried to avoid the scene. Authorities were forced to close I-696 westbound beginning at Lahser, all the way out to the I-96/I-275 interchange as they investigated the scene. The road is now open.
Daniel Armitage leaves behind a wife, who's been in the hospital and we're told was recently on a ventilator, two twin six-year-old boys and another son -- age four.
Armitage was a firefighter with the City of Ann Arbor for 16 years. "Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan's tragic death," said Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard. "As Dan's identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all." Daniel Armitage joined the Ann Arbor Fire Department in 1995.
Friend and fellow firefighter Allan Perry says "it's a great loss... for a lot of people."
Ann Arbor Firefighter Daniel Armitage Killed on I-696
WJBK FOX2 NEWS - Detroit
Jan 05, 2012 - 9:18 PM
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/amy_lange/ann-arbor-firefighter-daniel-armitage-killed-on-i-696-20120105-dk
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/amy_lange/ann-arbor-firefighter-daniel-armitage-killed-on-i-696-20120105-dk
A gruesome scene after a local husband, father and firefighter is struck by several cars on westbound I-696 near Farmington Road on Thursday morning.
Police say it appears 41-year-old Daniel Armitage of Bloomfield Township was changing a tire before he somehow ended up in the freeway.
Play a second video to get new information from Fox 2's Ron Savage that involves a police investigation about a report of domestic violence on the block where Armitage lived.
Michigan State Police Trooper Mark Tinney said the Armitage was struck by several vehicles near Farmington Road around 6:30 a.m. His BMW SUV was parked on the freeway's north shoulder.
Several other accidents occurred as drivers tried to avoid the scene.
Michigan State Police Trooper Mark Tinney said the Armitage was struck by several vehicles near Farmington Road around 6:30 a.m. His BMW SUV was parked on the freeway's north shoulder.
Several other accidents occurred as drivers tried to avoid the scene.
Authorities were forced to close I-696 westbound beginning at Lahser, all the way out to the I-96/I-275 interchange as they investigated the scene. The road is now open.
Daniel Armitage leaves behind a wife, who's been in the hospital and we're told was recently on a ventilator, two twin six-year-old boys and another son -- age four.
Armitage was a firefighter with the City of Ann Arbor for 16 years. "Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan's tragic death," said Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard. "As Dan's identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all." Daniel Armitage joined the Ann Arbor Fire Department in 1995.
Friend and fellow firefighter Allan Perry says "it's a great loss... for a lot of people."
Daniel Armitage leaves behind a wife, who's been in the hospital and we're told was recently on a ventilator, two twin six-year-old boys and another son -- age four.
Armitage was a firefighter with the City of Ann Arbor for 16 years. "Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan's tragic death," said Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard. "As Dan's identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all." Daniel Armitage joined the Ann Arbor Fire Department in 1995.
Friend and fellow firefighter Allan Perry says "it's a great loss... for a lot of people."
Farmington Hills MI - Ann Arbor Firefighter Dies By Suicide On I-696
Big Rapids News
Big Rapids News
Daniel Armitage, a firefighter for the Ann Arbor Fire Department for 16 years, was hit and killed early this morning by oncoming traffic on I-696 in Farmington Hills, according to a news release from the city of Ann Arbor.
Farmington Hills MI News - 41-year-old Daniel Armitage of Bloomfield Township was killed this morning as he appeared to be changing a flat tire on his BMW SUV along side Westbound I-696 just after 6:30 AM.
According to a news release, Armitage was on the north shoulder of westbound I-696. He was an Ann Arbor firefighter, and was killed after being hit by three vehicles as he somehow ended up in the shoulder lane of I-696.
Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Detroit Free Press that "Armitage was lying down in the right lane."
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office was on the accident scene, and later reported his death as a suicide. The accident scene stretched more than 100 yards down the I-696 highway.
A father and his two children were hospitalized after their vehicle hit the median while trying to avoid the crash scene where Armitage was hit and killed.
Ann Arbor Fire Department Chief Chuck Hubbard said the loss of Dan Armitage came as a shock.
About 400 people showed for Dan Armitage's Funeral, that took place on January 10th, 2012.
Police are still searching for witnesses to try and piece together what happened the day Dan Armitage was killed.
Just about a week prior to this incident, Eastern Michigan University Police Chief Greg O'Dell also committed suicide. His death was reported just a day after Christmas.
O'Dell died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was found on Huron River Drive in Ann Arbor MI, not far from his vehicle. Police began looking for O'Dell after receiving a call from a concerned family member.
O'Dell had an almost 20-year career with the Ann Arbor Police Department.
New details are emerging that have police questioning if the firefighter's death was an accident
WXYZ NEWS - Detroit
January 06, 2012
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/oakland_county/new-details-are-emerging-that-have-police-questioning-if-the-firefighters-death-was-an-accident
Local Firefighter killed changing tire
Police investigating alleged domestic
Ann Arbor Fireman killed
The Examiner
Ann Arbor Fireman killed
The Examiner
January 6, 2012
http://www.examiner.com/article/local-firefighter-killed-changing-tire-police-investigating-alleged-domestic
Farmington Hills, MI- A few days ago police and the fire department respond to a house in W. Bloomfield, on E. Mohawk Ct. A mother of three boys get transported to the hospital where she is placed on a ventilator. The eerie part of this story is the police now suspect her husband is responsible for her being there.
The investigation unfolded, when a fireman, Daniel Armitage from Ann Arbor Fire Department was struck and killed while changing his tire early Thursday morning on I-696.
Family was said to have been staying at the house since Mrs. Armitage was transported. Only two days had passed, now Mr. Armitage was fatality struck killed. Armitage worked for Ann Arbor Fire Department for 16 years and was reported to have been an out-standing individual by his peers.
Of course it saddening us to learn when anybody lose their life in such a tragic way, But let us not lose focus on the real story here. Just because a person is out-standing in their community doesn’t mean that they are not abusive at home. I’m not trying to make Armitage out to be a animal, but it is what it is.
In the metro Detroit area we heard the story of the Romulus Firefighter father who was molesting his daughter for three years, which touched close to home because he too was out-standing in his community and I know him personally.
As human beings we know people can and will do just about anything. Never underestimate who it might be, whether your family, friend or next door neighbor that attend all parent teacher conferences.
Mental illness is everywhere and affect all areas. My prayers goes out to the entire Armitage family, because right now they need it. Whether it was domestic or not!
Farmington Hills— For the second time in six years, the Ann Arbor Fire Department has lost a firefighter in a freeway crash.
Early Thursday morning, Daniel E. Armitage — a 16-year department veteran — was struck and killed by a car while changing a tire on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road.
The 41-year-old West Bloomfield Township resident's death comes nearly six years to the day after Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt was struck from behind by an out-of-control pickup on an icy section of Interstate 94 at Jackson Street on Jan. 7, 2006.
Schnearle-Pennywitt, 34, was helping at the scene of a five-car pileup caused by icy roads when she was hit and gravely injured. She died six days later.
"They were both great people and great firefighters," department Chief Chuck Hubbard said.
"Everybody loved Dan, he was just a fun-loving person and a great father to his three children. I can't say enough about him; he's going to be missed."
City official Steve Powers echoed Hubbard's sentiments.
"The city is shocked and saddened by the death of firefighter Armitage," he said. "This is especially hard on the Fire Department, which has lost a friend and colleague. Our thoughts are with his family."
Powers said the city would consider at a later time lowering city flags in memory of Armitage.
The accident occurred at about 6:30 a.m., according to Lt. Phil Meena of the Metro North Post of the Michigan State Police.
"He had pulled off onto the shoulder of the road," he said. "We found a tire and jack near the front wheel on the driver's side. He was struck by a car and then hit by several other vehicles."
According to Mena, one vehicle swerved to avoid the area and hit the freeway's retaining wall. One person had minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
The incident completely closed the westbound lanes from Farmington Road to Telegraph Road. The freeway reopened at about noon.
Armitage was a driver/operator at the Briarwood station in the southern portion of Ann Arbor.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete.
"We haven't yet talked to the family to find out what their wishes are," said Hubbard, who has been with the Fire Department for 26 years.
"But whatever they want is what we're going to give them."
This marks the second time in a week a pedestrian has died on a Metro Detroit freeway.
On Friday, a man was struck and killed by a truck while walking in traffic on eastbound Interstate 96 near Michigan Avenue in Detroit.
Man tells North Ridgeville police he ran over body in Michigan
Filed by Kiera Manion-Fischer
The Chronicle-Telegram, Avon Ohio
http://www.examiner.com/article/local-firefighter-killed-changing-tire-police-investigating-alleged-domestic
The investigation unfolded, when a fireman, Daniel Armitage from Ann Arbor Fire Department was struck and killed while changing his tire early Thursday morning on I-696.
Family was said to have been staying at the house since Mrs. Armitage was transported. Only two days had passed, now Mr. Armitage was fatality struck killed. Armitage worked for Ann Arbor Fire Department for 16 years and was reported to have been an out-standing individual by his peers.
Of course it saddening us to learn when anybody lose their life in such a tragic way, But let us not lose focus on the real story here. Just because a person is out-standing in their community doesn’t mean that they are not abusive at home. I’m not trying to make Armitage out to be a animal, but it is what it is.
In the metro Detroit area we heard the story of the Romulus Firefighter father who was molesting his daughter for three years, which touched close to home because he too was out-standing in his community and I know him personally.
As human beings we know people can and will do just about anything. Never underestimate who it might be, whether your family, friend or next door neighbor that attend all parent teacher conferences.
Mental illness is everywhere and affect all areas. My prayers goes out to the entire Armitage family, because right now they need it. Whether it was domestic or not!
Police: Firefighter Struck, Killed On I-696 Expressway
Monroe News
Friday, January 6, 2012, 12:00 a.m
http://www.monroenews.com/news/2012/jan/06/police-firefighter-struck-killed-on-i-696/
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (AP) — Police say an off-duty firefighter who was apparently changing a tire has been struck and killed on an expressway in suburban Detroit.
The crash happened Thursday morning and led to a multi-mile backup on westbound I-696 in Farmington Hills. Police say the man was hit by at least one vehicle.
A portion of the expressway was closed as authorities investigated.
State police said that the victim was 41-year-old Daniel E. Armitage of Oakland County's Bloomfield Township.
Armitage worked for the Ann Arbor Fire Department.
Police: Firefighter Struck, Killed on Expressway
WILX NEWS, Lansing MI
Monroe News
Friday, January 6, 2012, 12:00 a.m
http://www.monroenews.com/news/2012/jan/06/police-firefighter-struck-killed-on-i-696/
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (AP) — Police say an off-duty firefighter who was apparently changing a tire has been struck and killed on an expressway in suburban Detroit.
The crash happened Thursday morning and led to a multi-mile backup on westbound I-696 in Farmington Hills. Police say the man was hit by at least one vehicle.
A portion of the expressway was closed as authorities investigated.
State police said that the victim was 41-year-old Daniel E. Armitage of Oakland County's Bloomfield Township.
Armitage worked for the Ann Arbor Fire Department.
Police: Firefighter Struck, Killed on Expressway
WILX NEWS, Lansing MI
Jan 06, 2012 - 3:59 AM
http://www.wilx.com/home/headlines/Police_Firefighter_Struck_Killed_on_Expressway_136796038.html
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- Police say an off-duty firefighter who was apparently changing a tire has been struck and killed on an expressway in suburban Detroit.
The crash happened Thursday morning and led to a multi-mile backup on westbound Interstate 696 in Farmington Hills. Police say the man was hit by at least one vehicle.
A portion of the expressway was closed as authorities investigated.
State police tell the Detroit Free Press, The Oakland Press and TV stations WDIV and WXYZ that the victim was 41-year-old Daniel E. Armitage of Oakland County's Bloomfield Township. Armitage worked for the Ann Arbor Fire Department.
Crash on I-696 kills Ann Arbor firefighter
The Detroit News
January 6, 2012
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120106/METRO/201060366
http://www.wilx.com/home/headlines/Police_Firefighter_Struck_Killed_on_Expressway_136796038.html
The crash happened Thursday morning and led to a multi-mile backup on westbound Interstate 696 in Farmington Hills. Police say the man was hit by at least one vehicle.
A portion of the expressway was closed as authorities investigated.
State police tell the Detroit Free Press, The Oakland Press and TV stations WDIV and WXYZ that the victim was 41-year-old Daniel E. Armitage of Oakland County's Bloomfield Township. Armitage worked for the Ann Arbor Fire Department.
Crash on I-696 kills Ann Arbor firefighter
The Detroit News
January 6, 2012
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120106/METRO/201060366
Farmington Hills— For the second time in six years, the Ann Arbor Fire Department has lost a firefighter in a freeway crash.
Early Thursday morning, Daniel E. Armitage — a 16-year department veteran — was struck and killed by a car while changing a tire on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road.
The 41-year-old West Bloomfield Township resident's death comes nearly six years to the day after Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt was struck from behind by an out-of-control pickup on an icy section of Interstate 94 at Jackson Street on Jan. 7, 2006.
Schnearle-Pennywitt, 34, was helping at the scene of a five-car pileup caused by icy roads when she was hit and gravely injured. She died six days later.
"They were both great people and great firefighters," department Chief Chuck Hubbard said.
"Everybody loved Dan, he was just a fun-loving person and a great father to his three children. I can't say enough about him; he's going to be missed."
City official Steve Powers echoed Hubbard's sentiments.
"The city is shocked and saddened by the death of firefighter Armitage," he said. "This is especially hard on the Fire Department, which has lost a friend and colleague. Our thoughts are with his family."
Powers said the city would consider at a later time lowering city flags in memory of Armitage.
The accident occurred at about 6:30 a.m., according to Lt. Phil Meena of the Metro North Post of the Michigan State Police.
"He had pulled off onto the shoulder of the road," he said. "We found a tire and jack near the front wheel on the driver's side. He was struck by a car and then hit by several other vehicles."
According to Mena, one vehicle swerved to avoid the area and hit the freeway's retaining wall. One person had minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
The incident completely closed the westbound lanes from Farmington Road to Telegraph Road. The freeway reopened at about noon.
Armitage was a driver/operator at the Briarwood station in the southern portion of Ann Arbor.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete.
"We haven't yet talked to the family to find out what their wishes are," said Hubbard, who has been with the Fire Department for 26 years.
"But whatever they want is what we're going to give them."
This marks the second time in a week a pedestrian has died on a Metro Detroit freeway.
On Friday, a man was struck and killed by a truck while walking in traffic on eastbound Interstate 96 near Michigan Avenue in Detroit.
Man tells North Ridgeville police he ran over body in Michigan
Filed by Kiera Manion-Fischer
The Chronicle-Telegram, Avon Ohio
January 6, 2012
http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2012/01/06/man-tells-north-ridgeville-police-he-ran-over-body-in-michigan/
NORTH RIDGEVILLE — A man flagged down a North Ridgeville police officer where Interstate 480 meets the Ohio Turnpike and told him he had hit a person in Michigan.
Officer Jim Larkin said the man was driving possibly the last of several vehicles to run over the body of a 41-year-old man who was killed while apparently changing a tire in Farmington Hills, Mich.
The driver, of West Bloomfield Township, Mich., did not report what happened until he reached Ohio because he at first believed the remains were those of a deer, Larkin said. The man’s wife had called him to tell him about seeing the accident on the news, he said.
Michigan State Police identified the man who was killed as Daniel Armitage of West Bloomfield Township, according to a news release Thursday afternoon.
The Detroit Free Press reported Thursday that Armitage was an Ann Arbor firefighter.
The accident occurred about 6:30 a.m. Thursday at Interstate 696 and Farmington Road in Farmington Hills, according to Michigan police.
Armitage had been changing a tire on the shoulder when he somehow ended up on the ground in the right lane of the highway and was hit by vehicles unable to avoid him, the statement said.
One vehicle crashed into the median trying to avoid the accident, and the occupants had minor injuries.
The scene of the accident is about 160 miles from North Ridgeville, and the man who pulled over to talk to Larkin did so about 10:45 a.m. Thursday.
The man told Larkin he had tried to avoid the remains on the road but could not.
“He was clearly shaken,” Larkin said.
Larkin said he passed along the man’s information to the Michigan State Police, who are investigating the accident. He said the man did not commit a crime, as his vehicle obviously was not the first to hit Armitage because the vehicle was undamaged.
Larkin said the underside of the man’s car had evidence on it that he had struck someone
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP:
http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2012/01/06/man-tells-north-ridgeville-police-he-ran-over-body-in-michigan/
NORTH RIDGEVILLE — A man flagged down a North Ridgeville police officer where Interstate 480 meets the Ohio Turnpike and told him he had hit a person in Michigan.
Officer Jim Larkin said the man was driving possibly the last of several vehicles to run over the body of a 41-year-old man who was killed while apparently changing a tire in Farmington Hills, Mich.
The driver, of West Bloomfield Township, Mich., did not report what happened until he reached Ohio because he at first believed the remains were those of a deer, Larkin said. The man’s wife had called him to tell him about seeing the accident on the news, he said.
Michigan State Police identified the man who was killed as Daniel Armitage of West Bloomfield Township, according to a news release Thursday afternoon.
The Detroit Free Press reported Thursday that Armitage was an Ann Arbor firefighter.
The accident occurred about 6:30 a.m. Thursday at Interstate 696 and Farmington Road in Farmington Hills, according to Michigan police.
Armitage had been changing a tire on the shoulder when he somehow ended up on the ground in the right lane of the highway and was hit by vehicles unable to avoid him, the statement said.
One vehicle crashed into the median trying to avoid the accident, and the occupants had minor injuries.
The scene of the accident is about 160 miles from North Ridgeville, and the man who pulled over to talk to Larkin did so about 10:45 a.m. Thursday.
The man told Larkin he had tried to avoid the remains on the road but could not.
“He was clearly shaken,” Larkin said.
Larkin said he passed along the man’s information to the Michigan State Police, who are investigating the accident. He said the man did not commit a crime, as his vehicle obviously was not the first to hit Armitage because the vehicle was undamaged.
Larkin said the underside of the man’s car had evidence on it that he had struck someone
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP:
Police investigating domestic assault on street where killed Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage lived
The Heritage
The Heritage
January 06, 2012
http://www.heritage.com/articles/2012/01/06/ann_arbor_journal/news/doc4f0747a5bca96730505243.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault shortly before the incident.
Daniel Armitage died around 6:30 a.m. Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles along the Farmington Hills freeway, where it appeared as though he was attempting to change a tire.
Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night.
“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
“The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press has been able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live on that street.
Police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that his wife was hospitalized that night.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy, which may be completed today. It would rule both on a cause of death and manner of death.
Armitage is survived by his wife, Christy, and three children.
Police: No Sign of Flat Tire in Bloomfield Township Man's Death on I-696
Officials say veteran Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage's tire wasn't flat and acknowledge a report of a domestic incident at his home
Farmington Patch
http://www.heritage.com/articles/2012/01/06/ann_arbor_journal/news/doc4f0747a5bca96730505243.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault shortly before the incident.
Daniel Armitage died around 6:30 a.m. Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles along the Farmington Hills freeway, where it appeared as though he was attempting to change a tire.
Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night.
“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
“The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press has been able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live on that street.
Police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that his wife was hospitalized that night.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy, which may be completed today. It would rule both on a cause of death and manner of death.
Armitage is survived by his wife, Christy, and three children.
Police: No Sign of Flat Tire in Bloomfield Township Man's Death on I-696
Officials say veteran Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage's tire wasn't flat and acknowledge a report of a domestic incident at his home
Farmington Patch
January 6, 2012
http://farmington-mi.patch.com/articles/police-sort-out-details-in-bloomfield-township-man-s-death-on-i-696
Authorities are still seeking witnesses to the horrific incident that killed Bloomfield Township resident Daniel Armitage, 41, during Thursday's morning rush hour. While investigators initially believed Armitage was changing a tire on his SUV before he was struck by multiple vehicles on westbound Interstate 696 in Farmington Hills, they are reportedly looking at other scenarios.
The tire Armitage was believed to working on had two lug nuts removed, but was not flat, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Detroit Free Press.
Police believed Armitage was trying to change the tire on the shoulder of the westbound lanes at about 6:30 a.m., when he was struck by multiple vehicles.
"He had pulled off onto the shoulder of the road," Michigan State Police Lt. Phil Meena of the Metro North Post told the Detroit News. "We found a tire and jack near the front wheel on the driver's side. He was struck by a car and then hit by several other vehicles."
According to Mena, one vehicle swerved to avoid the area and hit the freeway's retaining wall. One person had minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
The incident closed the westbound lanes from Farmington Road to Telegraph Road for roughly six hours, with miles-long traffic backups as a result. The Oakland County Medical Examiner's office is expected to make a ruling in Armitage's death as early as today.
Meanwhile, investigators with the Bloomfield Township Police Department are looking into a report of domestic assault at Armitage's home. Department officials said they will not discuss the possible incident or the investigation until it is complete.
Armitage's wife is hospitalized in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Free Press, but no details were available. Armitage is survived by three young children.
Colleagues, strangers offer support
News of Armitage's death was a painful blow to the men and women he worked alongside in Ann Arbor, Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard said.
"Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan’s tragic death," Hubbard said in a prepared statement. "We are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all."
Armitage, a 1989 graduate of Birmingham Groves High School, joined the department in 1995 and was a ladder-truck driver stationed on Ann Arbor's south side.
Community reacts
The incident spurred several comments to news reports and on social media.
"During my last weeks at Ann Arbor, I went to station 6 and had dinner where I spent sometime speaking one on one with Dan," former Ann Arbor Fire Chief Dominick Lanza wrote on AnnArbor.com. "He glowed when he spoke of his family and took me to his locker to show me their photos. He said '"Chief this is what I live for I love my family" they are my world. It was an honor to know Dan and work with him, I am truely saddened to read of his passing may he rest in peace and may god look over his family."
"As a community may we all embrace this family in our thoughts and prayers," Anne Bloedow Stafford wrote on the Bloomfield Patch Facebook page.
"#RIP Daniel E. Armitage. Thanks for keeping people safe." @catepelley wrote on Twitter.
"Rip Daniel Armitage... Such a tragic story that reminds you to live life to the fullest and remember how blessed you are to live everyday," @ccCanter87 tweeted.
Investigation of domestic violence involves firefighter killed on I-696, as questions emerge about his death
The Oakland Press
http://farmington-mi.patch.com/articles/police-sort-out-details-in-bloomfield-township-man-s-death-on-i-696
The tire Armitage was believed to working on had two lug nuts removed, but was not flat, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Detroit Free Press.
Police believed Armitage was trying to change the tire on the shoulder of the westbound lanes at about 6:30 a.m., when he was struck by multiple vehicles.
"He had pulled off onto the shoulder of the road," Michigan State Police Lt. Phil Meena of the Metro North Post told the Detroit News. "We found a tire and jack near the front wheel on the driver's side. He was struck by a car and then hit by several other vehicles."
According to Mena, one vehicle swerved to avoid the area and hit the freeway's retaining wall. One person had minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
The incident closed the westbound lanes from Farmington Road to Telegraph Road for roughly six hours, with miles-long traffic backups as a result. The Oakland County Medical Examiner's office is expected to make a ruling in Armitage's death as early as today.
Meanwhile, investigators with the Bloomfield Township Police Department are looking into a report of domestic assault at Armitage's home. Department officials said they will not discuss the possible incident or the investigation until it is complete.
Armitage's wife is hospitalized in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Free Press, but no details were available. Armitage is survived by three young children.
Colleagues, strangers offer support
News of Armitage's death was a painful blow to the men and women he worked alongside in Ann Arbor, Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard said.
"Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan’s tragic death," Hubbard said in a prepared statement. "We are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all."
Armitage, a 1989 graduate of Birmingham Groves High School, joined the department in 1995 and was a ladder-truck driver stationed on Ann Arbor's south side.
Community reacts
The incident spurred several comments to news reports and on social media.
"During my last weeks at Ann Arbor, I went to station 6 and had dinner where I spent sometime speaking one on one with Dan," former Ann Arbor Fire Chief Dominick Lanza wrote on AnnArbor.com. "He glowed when he spoke of his family and took me to his locker to show me their photos. He said '"Chief this is what I live for I love my family" they are my world. It was an honor to know Dan and work with him, I am truely saddened to read of his passing may he rest in peace and may god look over his family."
"As a community may we all embrace this family in our thoughts and prayers," Anne Bloedow Stafford wrote on the Bloomfield Patch Facebook page.
"#RIP Daniel E. Armitage. Thanks for keeping people safe." @catepelley wrote on Twitter.
"Rip Daniel Armitage... Such a tragic story that reminds you to live life to the fullest and remember how blessed you are to live everyday," @ccCanter87 tweeted.
Investigation of domestic violence involves firefighter killed on I-696, as questions emerge about his death
The Oakland Press
January 06, 2012
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/01/06/news/doc4f071683a6bec287550356.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault just days before the incident.
Daniel Armitage died about 6:30 a.m. Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles along the freeway, where it appeared as though he was attempting to change a tire.
Various media outlets quoted a Michigan State Police trooper as saying Armitage’s tire was not flat. Officials with the Michigan State Police’s Metro North Post were unavailable for comment Friday afternoon.
Friday morning, Michigan State Police Lt. Philip Menna declined to comment.
“We’re investigating a traffic accident,” Menna said.
Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night.
“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
“The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press was able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
Bloomfield Township police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that Armitage’s wife was hospitalized after an alleged Jan. 1 assault.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy Friday, but the cause and manner of death are still pending, officials said.
Investigation of domestic violence involves firefighter killed on I-696
The Macomb Daily
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/01/06/news/doc4f071683a6bec287550356.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault just days before the incident.
Daniel Armitage died about 6:30 a.m. Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles along the freeway, where it appeared as though he was attempting to change a tire.
Various media outlets quoted a Michigan State Police trooper as saying Armitage’s tire was not flat. Officials with the Michigan State Police’s Metro North Post were unavailable for comment Friday afternoon.
Friday morning, Michigan State Police Lt. Philip Menna declined to comment.
“We’re investigating a traffic accident,” Menna said.
Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night.
“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
“The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press was able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
Bloomfield Township police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that Armitage’s wife was hospitalized after an alleged Jan. 1 assault.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy Friday, but the cause and manner of death are still pending, officials said.
Investigation of domestic violence involves firefighter killed on I-696
The Macomb Daily
January 06, 2012
http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2012/01/06/news/doc4f071b2585451060966947.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault shortly before the incident.
Daniel Armitage died around 6:30 a.m. Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles along the Farmington Hills freeway, where it appeared as though he was attempting to change a tire.
See earlier story: Man killed on I-696 in Farmington Hills identified as Ann Arbor firefighter
Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night.“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court. The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press has been able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live on that street.
Police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that his wife was hospitalized that night.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy, which may be completed today. It would rule both on a cause of death and manner of death.
Armitage is survived by his wife, Christy, and three children.
http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2012/01/06/news/doc4f071b2585451060966947.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault shortly before the incident.
Daniel Armitage died around 6:30 a.m. Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles along the Farmington Hills freeway, where it appeared as though he was attempting to change a tire.
See earlier story: Man killed on I-696 in Farmington Hills identified as Ann Arbor firefighter
Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night.“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court. The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press has been able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live on that street.
Police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that his wife was hospitalized that night.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy, which may be completed today. It would rule both on a cause of death and manner of death.
Armitage is survived by his wife, Christy, and three children.
New details are emerging that have police questioning if the firefighter's death was an accident
WXYZ NEWA- Detroit
WXYZ NEWA- Detroit
Family: Daniel Armitage, a fireman in Ann Arbor, Michigan, who was married with three children, was run over by at least three cars on I-696 on Thursday.
Death scene: Witnesses said he was lying down in the right lane of traffic and his white BMW SUV, pictured bottom, was parked with its lights flashing
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) - New details are emerging in the investigation leading police to ask whether or not this fatal crash was an accident.
Michigan State Police initially believed that 41-year-old Daniel Armitage pulled his white SUV over to the Westbound shoulder of I-696 near the Farmington Road bridge in Farmington HIlls to change a flat tire. But it now appears the tire was in good condition.
“The tire was not completely deflated. It did have some air in it. But we don’t know if that was truly the reason why he pulled off to the side of the road. We don’t know if there were other mechanical issues,” said Sgt. John Shields with the Michigan State Police.
The Bloomfield Township man was in the right lane of oncoming traffic early Thursday morning when he was killed after being hit by several vehicles. One car slammed into the median to avoid the crash. MSP believe the medical examiner’s report will answer key questions in their investigation.
“Based on injury and based on whether or not there was a toxicology report that comes back with anything,” said Sgt. John Shields. “Whether or not there was something else of a medical issue that caused him to be in the position he was in when he was subsequently hit,” he said.
At the time of his death, the Ann Arbor firefighter had been on medical leave for two days because his wife was in the hospital in ICU. Sgt. Shields said Armitage had been involved in a domestic violence dispute with his wife.
“There are some allegations of domestic assault of some type. I don’t know to what extent, nor who the aggressor was at this point,” said Sgt. Shields.
Bloomfield Township Police confirmed they are investigating a possible domestic assault on the same street where Daniel Armitage lived. Police say all the information adds to the background of their case in trying to determine the circumstances surrounding Armitage’s death.
Sources tell 7 Action News that Armitage was next in line to become a Lieutenant in Ann Arbor. He is survived by his wife and three children.
The crash shut down more than six miles of the freeway for six hours during morning rush hour on Thursday. A father and his two children were injured in another chain-reaction accident.
The medical examiner said the results of their report for cause of death are pending.
DETAILS OF FIREFIGHTER'S DEATH JUST DON'T ADD UP, POLICE SAY
Detroit Free Press
January 06, 2012
A 41-year-old man hit and killed on I-696 Thursday morning was the focus of a domestic assault investigation in Bloomfield Township, police say, and did not appear to have a flat tire when he stopped along the expressway.
Daniel Armitage, a firefighter for the city of Ann Arbor, died at 6:30 a.m. Thursday after he was hit by at least three vehicles on I-696. The crash shut down more than six miles of the freeway for six hours during the morning rush hour. A father and his two children were injured in another chain-reaction accident.
Investigators say many questions remain about what happened Thursday morning.
Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia said the white late-model BMW SUV was parked on the side of the road with its flashers on and the spare tire laying next to it on the shoulder.
Witnesses told investigators Armitage was lying in the right lane of traffic when he was hit.
"There are some things we are looking into that just don’t add up as far as the accident is concerned," Shunia said today. "But we can’t say for sure it was intentional or an accident at this point."
Shunia said the tire on the car — which had two lug nuts removed and the spare nearby — did not appear to have any problems.
"We had the tire checked out by a certified tire mechanic and it was not flat," Shunia said today. "There were no leaks in it. It had 8 to 10 pounds of pressure in it -- you could still drive on it."
Shunia said none of the other lug nuts were loosened, and the jack was still in the trunk. Typically during a tire change, all lug nuts are loosened and then the car is jacked up, he said.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office has not determined a cause of death. A ruling is expected as early as today, the office said Thursday.
Meanwhile, Armitage's wife remains hospitalized in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Shunia said. Police received a report that she was assaulted by Armitage on Jan. 1 in their home in Bloomfield Township, Shunia said.
Bloomfield Township police said in a release that they are investigating the reported domestic assault at the home on Mohawk Court. But police did not releasing any additional details, declining to give specifics until the investigation is complete.
Michigan State Police initially believed that 41-year-old Daniel Armitage pulled his white SUV over to the Westbound shoulder of I-696 near the Farmington Road bridge in Farmington HIlls to change a flat tire. But it now appears the tire was in good condition.
“The tire was not completely deflated. It did have some air in it. But we don’t know if that was truly the reason why he pulled off to the side of the road. We don’t know if there were other mechanical issues,” said Sgt. John Shields with the Michigan State Police.
The Bloomfield Township man was in the right lane of oncoming traffic early Thursday morning when he was killed after being hit by several vehicles. One car slammed into the median to avoid the crash. MSP believe the medical examiner’s report will answer key questions in their investigation.
“Based on injury and based on whether or not there was a toxicology report that comes back with anything,” said Sgt. John Shields. “Whether or not there was something else of a medical issue that caused him to be in the position he was in when he was subsequently hit,” he said.
At the time of his death, the Ann Arbor firefighter had been on medical leave for two days because his wife was in the hospital in ICU. Sgt. Shields said Armitage had been involved in a domestic violence dispute with his wife.
“There are some allegations of domestic assault of some type. I don’t know to what extent, nor who the aggressor was at this point,” said Sgt. Shields.
Bloomfield Township Police confirmed they are investigating a possible domestic assault on the same street where Daniel Armitage lived. Police say all the information adds to the background of their case in trying to determine the circumstances surrounding Armitage’s death.
Sources tell 7 Action News that Armitage was next in line to become a Lieutenant in Ann Arbor. He is survived by his wife and three children.
The crash shut down more than six miles of the freeway for six hours during morning rush hour on Thursday. A father and his two children were injured in another chain-reaction accident.
The medical examiner said the results of their report for cause of death are pending.
DETAILS OF FIREFIGHTER'S DEATH JUST DON'T ADD UP, POLICE SAY
Detroit Free Press
January 06, 2012
A 41-year-old man hit and killed on I-696 Thursday morning was the focus of a domestic assault investigation in Bloomfield Township, police say, and did not appear to have a flat tire when he stopped along the expressway.
Daniel Armitage, a firefighter for the city of Ann Arbor, died at 6:30 a.m. Thursday after he was hit by at least three vehicles on I-696. The crash shut down more than six miles of the freeway for six hours during the morning rush hour. A father and his two children were injured in another chain-reaction accident.
Investigators say many questions remain about what happened Thursday morning.
Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia said the white late-model BMW SUV was parked on the side of the road with its flashers on and the spare tire laying next to it on the shoulder.
Witnesses told investigators Armitage was lying in the right lane of traffic when he was hit.
"There are some things we are looking into that just don’t add up as far as the accident is concerned," Shunia said today. "But we can’t say for sure it was intentional or an accident at this point."
Shunia said the tire on the car — which had two lug nuts removed and the spare nearby — did not appear to have any problems.
"We had the tire checked out by a certified tire mechanic and it was not flat," Shunia said today. "There were no leaks in it. It had 8 to 10 pounds of pressure in it -- you could still drive on it."
Shunia said none of the other lug nuts were loosened, and the jack was still in the trunk. Typically during a tire change, all lug nuts are loosened and then the car is jacked up, he said.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office has not determined a cause of death. A ruling is expected as early as today, the office said Thursday.
Meanwhile, Armitage's wife remains hospitalized in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Shunia said. Police received a report that she was assaulted by Armitage on Jan. 1 in their home in Bloomfield Township, Shunia said.
Bloomfield Township police said in a release that they are investigating the reported domestic assault at the home on Mohawk Court. But police did not releasing any additional details, declining to give specifics until the investigation is complete.
Detroit Free Press: Police investigate alleged domestic assault at home of Ann Arbor firefighter killed on I-696
Ann Arbor News
Jan 6, 2012
http://www.annarbor.com/news/police-investigate-alleged-domestic-assault-at-home-of-ann-arbor-firefighter-killed-on-i-696/
Ann Arbor News
Jan 6, 2012
http://www.annarbor.com/news/police-investigate-alleged-domestic-assault-at-home-of-ann-arbor-firefighter-killed-on-i-696/
Bloomfield Township police are investigating an alleged domestic assault at the home of Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage, who was killed when struck by several cars on Interstate 696 Thursday, the Detroit Free Press reported this morning.
Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Free Press Armitage's wife is in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Police received a report that she was assaulted by Armitage on Jan. 1 in their home in Bloomfield Township, Shunia said.
Armitage, 41, an Ann Arbor firefighter since 1995, died after at least three cars struck him about 6:30 Thursday morning along the freeway in Farmington Hills while he was apparently changing a tire, Michigan State Police said.
Armitage, who lived in West Bloomfield Township, appeared to have been changing a tire on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 but at some point ended up on the ground in the right lane of the freeway, where the vehicles hit him, police said.
Another vehicle crashed into the median while trying to avoid striking Armitage, and its occupants suffered minor injuries, police said.
The westbound lanes of the freeway were closed for several hours after the crash.
Michigan State Police Lt. Phil Menna said police have made no determination about why Armitage ended up in the traffic lane and are looking at the crash from every angle. He said police have spoken to all the drivers involved in the crash and received many calls from motorists who drove through the area at the time of the crash. Police still want to speak to anyone else with information, Menna said.
Ruben Ortiz-Reyes, deputy forensic pathologist with the Oakland County Medical Examiner's office, said the office had no information to release about an autopsy today. He said the office had not established a positive identification of the victim.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call police at 248-584-5740.
Bloomfield Township police are investigating an alleged domestic assault at the home of Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage, who was killed when struck by several cars on Interstate 696 Thursday, the Detroit Free Press reported this morning.
Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Free Press Armitage's wife is in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Police received a report that she was assaulted by Armitage on Jan. 1 in their home in Bloomfield Township, Shunia said.
Armitage, 41, an Ann Arbor firefighter since 1995, died after at least three cars struck him about 6:30 Thursday morning along the freeway in Farmington Hills while he was apparently changing a tire, Michigan State Police said.
Armitage, who lived in West Bloomfield Township, appeared to have been changing a tire on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 but at some point ended up on the ground in the right lane of the freeway, where the vehicles hit him, police said.
Another vehicle crashed into the median while trying to avoid striking Armitage, and its occupants suffered minor injuries, police said.
The westbound lanes of the freeway were closed for several hours after the crash.
Michigan State Police Lt. Phil Menna said police have made no determination about why Armitage ended up in the traffic lane and are looking at the crash from every angle. He said police have spoken to all the drivers involved in the crash and received many calls from motorists who drove through the area at the time of the crash. Police still want to speak to anyone else with information, Menna said.
Ruben Ortiz-Reyes, deputy forensic pathologist with the Oakland County Medical Examiner's office, said the office had no information to release about an autopsy today. He said the office had not established a positive identification of the victim.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call police at 248-584-5740.
Bloomfield Township police are investigating an alleged domestic assault at the home of Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage, who was killed when struck by several cars on Interstate 696 Thursday, the Detroit Free Press reported this morning.
Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Free Press Armitage's wife is in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Police received a report that she was assaulted by Armitage on Jan. 1 in their home in Bloomfield Township, Shunia said.
Armitage, 41, an Ann Arbor firefighter since 1995, died after at least three cars struck him about 6:30 Thursday morning along the freeway in Farmington Hills while he was apparently changing a tire, Michigan State Police said.
Armitage, who lived in West Bloomfield Township, appeared to have been changing a tire on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 but at some point ended up on the ground in the right lane of the freeway, where the vehicles hit him, police said.
Another vehicle crashed into the median while trying to avoid striking Armitage, and its occupants suffered minor injuries, police said.
The westbound lanes of the freeway were closed for several hours after the crash.
Michigan State Police Lt. Phil Menna said police have made no determination about why Armitage ended up in the traffic lane and are looking at the crash from every angle. He said police have spoken to all the drivers involved in the crash and received many calls from motorists who drove through the area at the time of the crash. Police still want to speak to anyone else with information, Menna said.
Ruben Ortiz-Reyes, deputy forensic pathologist with the Oakland County Medical Examiner's office, said the office had no information to release about an autopsy today. He said the office had not established a positive identification of the victim.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call police at 248-584-5740.
More Questions than Answers after Ann Arbor Firefighter's Death
WJBK myFOXDetroit.com
Jan 06, 2012
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/more-questions-than-answers-after-ann-arbor-firefighter-death-20120106-ms
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/more-questions-than-answers-after-ann-arbor-firefighter-death-20120106-ms
Ann Arbor firefighter Dan Armitage died Thursday after being struck several times on I-696
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WJBK) -- There are more questions than answers, according to Michigan State Police. It appeared 41-year-old Dan Armitage was changing a flat tire on I-696 at Farmington Road when he was struck several times around 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning causing accidents and closing the freeway.
It was a devastating scene, but we've now learned the tire was not flat. State police had it tested. There were no leaks. It had eight to ten pounds of pressure, enough to drive on. A couple of lug nuts were off, but the jack was still in the trunk.
Witnesses also saw Armitage lying in the middle of the right lane before he was hit. Twelve to 15 feet away from his BMW, cars swerved to avoid him, but other vehicles were unable to do so.
The medical examiner's office has yet to rule whether or not it was a suicide, but police say it appears Armitage's world was crumbling around him. His wife had been hospitalized days before and told police of years of terrible physical abuse.
Bloomfield Township Police are conducting a domestic assault investigation. She remains hospitalized.
Her family has not responded to requests for comment.
Armitage, an Ann Arbor fire fighter for 16 years, leaves behind three young sons.
Firefighter killed on I-696 was focus of domestic assault investigation
Detroit Free Press
January 7, 2012
http://www.ongo.com/v/2751998/-1/AFC89D9142374700/firefighter-killed-on-i-696-was-focus-of-domestic-assault-investigation
A 41-year-old man who was hit and killed on I-696 on Thursday morning was the focus of a domestic assault investigation in Bloomfield Township, police say, and apparently did not have a flat tire when he stopped along the expressway.
Daniel Armitage, an Ann Arbor firefighter, died at 6:30 a.m. Thursday after he was hit by at least three vehicles. The crash shut down more than 6 miles of the freeway for six hours during morning rush hour. A father and his two children were injured in another chain-reaction accident.
Investigators say many questions remain. State Police Trooper Paul Shunia said the white late-model BMW SUV was parked on the side of the road with its flashers on and the spare tire next to it on the shoulder. Witnesses told investigators Armitage was lying in the right lane of traffic when he was hit.
"There are some things we are looking into that just don't
add up as far as the accident is concerned," Shunia said Friday. "But we can't say for sure it was intentional or an accident at this point."
Shunia said the tire on the car -- which had two lug nuts removed and the spare nearby -- did not appear to have any problems.
"We had the tire checked out by a certified tire mechanic, and it was not flat," Shunia said. "There were no leaks in it. It had 8 to 10 pounds of pressure in it -- you could still drive on it."
Shunia said none of the other lug nuts was loosened, and the jack was still in the trunk. Typically during a tire change, all lug nuts are loosened and then the car is jacked up, he said.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office has not determined a cause of death. A ruling won't be made earlier than Monday, an investigator there said Friday.
Meanwhile, Armitage's wife remained hospitalized in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak on Friday, Shunia said. Police received a report that she was assaulted by Armitage
on Sunday in their home in Bloomfield Township, Shunia said.
Bloomfield Township police said in a release that they are investigating the reported domestic assault at the home on Mohawk Court. But police did not release any additional details, declining to give specifics until the investigation is complete.
Ann Arbor fire officials did not return calls Friday.
Investigation of domestic violence involves firefighter killed on I-696, as questions emerge about his death
Oakland Press
January 07, 2012
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/01/07/news/doc4f071683a6bec287550356.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault just days before the incident.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/01/07/news/doc4f071683a6bec287550356.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault just days before the incident.
Daniel Armitage died about 6:30 a.m. Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles along the freeway, where it appeared as though he was attempting to change a tire.
Various media outlets quoted a Michigan State Police trooper as saying Armitage’s tire was not flat. Officials with the Michigan State Police’s Metro North Post were unavailable for comment Friday afternoon.
Friday morning, Michigan State Police Lt. Philip Menna declined to comment.
“We’re investigating a traffic accident,” Menna said.
Various media outlets quoted a Michigan State Police trooper as saying Armitage’s tire was not flat. Officials with the Michigan State Police’s Metro North Post were unavailable for comment Friday afternoon.
Friday morning, Michigan State Police Lt. Philip Menna declined to comment.
“We’re investigating a traffic accident,” Menna said.
Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night.
“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
“The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press was able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
Bloomfield Township police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that Armitage’s wife was hospitalized after an alleged Jan. 1 assault.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy Friday, but the cause and manner of death are still pending, officials said.
Firefighter Death Raises Questions
Monroe News
January 7, 2012
http://www.monroenews.com/news/2012/jan/07/firefighter-death-raises-questions/
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (AP) — A state trooper investigating the death of an Ann Arbor firefighter on a Detroit-area interstate said it might not have been an accident.
It appeared that Daniel Armitage was trying to remove a tire when he was struck and killed by other cars Thursday on I-696. But Trooper Paul Shunia said the tire had lost air but wasn't flat and the tire jack was still in the vehicle.
Shunia told The Detroit News that Armitage was struck in the middle of the right lane, not close to the bad tire even if he had fallen backward. Witnesses told police that the victim was flat on the ground before he was struck.
The trooper said "there are more questions than answers."
Mystery surrounds firefighter's I-696 death
Evidence suggests death may not be an accident
The Detroit News
January 7, 2012 at 1:00 am
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120107/METRO02/201070346
Farmington Hills— The more investigators probe the death of Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage, the more complicated the story becomes, Michigan State Police said Friday.
Armitage, 41, died early Thursday after being struck by three cars while allegedly changing a tire on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road. His death initially seemed to be a tragic accident, but some things didn't make sense.
Among them, according to police:
While the tire had lost some air, it didn't have any leaks and was still driveable.
The tire jack was still in the trunk of Armitage's vehicle and only two lug nuts had been removed.
Armitage said he was going out for breakfast that morning, but he didn't have any money or his wallet on him when he died.
He was struck in the middle of the right-hand lane while his vehicle was safely parked many feet away on the shoulder.
At least two witnesses said Armitage was on the pavement in the middle of the lane "like he was going to sleep" just before he was hit.
Reports indicate Armitage allegedly abused his wife of 12 years, and at the time of his death, she was hospitalized with injuries that police say could be tied to Armitage.
"There are more questions than answers right now," said Michigan State Trooper Paul Shunia, who was called to the crash on Thursday and is in charge of the follow-up investigation. "I'm not sure if the medical examiner is going to rule this as an accident. The evidence just slaps you in the face that things aren't adding up the way they should."
According to Shunia, Armitage may have been distraught at living apart from his wife and children and at the thought of being exposed as an abuser.
"Maybe it wasn't a suicide; maybe it was just a freakish accident," Shunia said. "It would be more convenient for everybody for this to be an accident. In that case, the kids get life insurance; if it's a suicide, the family gets exposed.
"As to how he ended up on I-696, I have no clue. We may never really know."
Witness reports don't support the theory that Armitage was changing a tire, Shunia said.
He was "struck in the center of the right-hand lane, quite a distance from where you'd be changing a tire, even if he fell backward," Shunia said. "Blood patterns clearly show he was well off the shoulder when he was hit. In fact, I have at least two witnesses so far that say he was lying parallel to the roadway facing westbound, like he was going to sleep."
Police didn't find Armitage's wallet, but did discover his driver's license in the glove compartment.
"He said he was going to breakfast, but with no money and no wallet?" Shunia said. "If you're going to get plastered on the freeway, your wallet can go flying anywhere. To me that's akin to taking your valuables out of the house before you burn it down."
Police discovered that the tire on Armitage's car had 8-10 pounds of pressure in it.
"When you're driving on a leaking tire, it can get completely flat, but you're not going to sit there for three hours if you're going to let the air out of it," Shunia said. "We had the tire checked by an expert who put it in a dip tank and it showed there were no leaks in that tire."
And then there's the alleged domestic situation between Armitage and his wife, who is in Beaumont Hospital.
"According to a report … his wife reported major physical abuse, which is a good possibility why she's in the hospital right now," Shunia said.
While not releasing any details, Bloomfield Township police confirmed in a press release that they are investigating a domestic assault case at the Armitage home on Mohawk Court. Armitage's wife was admitted to an area hospital on New Year's Day after having a seizure, according to reports.
Police ran Armitage through the Law Enforcement Information Network after the crash, but there was no record of any criminal activity. A check of Oakland County Circuit Court records show no divorce or personal protection order filings.
State trooper questioning if firefighter's death on Detroit-area highway was an accident
MLive.com
January 07, 2012
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2012/01/state_trooper_questioning_if_f.html
A state trooper investigating the death of an Ann Arbor firefighter on a Detroit-area interstate says it might not have been an accident.
It appeared that Daniel Armitage was trying to remove a tire when he was struck and killed by other cars Thursday on Interstate 696 in Farmington Hills. But Trooper Paul Shunia says the tire had lost air but wasn't flat and the tire jack was still in the vehicle.
Shunia tells The Detroit News that Armitage was struck in the middle of the right lane, not close to the bad tire even if he had fallen backward. Witnesses told police that the victim was flat on the ground before he was struck.
The trooper says "there are more questions than answers."
Medical Examiner rules firefighter's death a suicide
WXYZ - Detroit
WXYZ - Detroit
Jan 09, 2012
(WXYZ) - There are new developments in the death of a firefighter who was killed on I-696 near Farmington Road last Thursday.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner has ruled the death of Daniel Armitage a suicide.
Armitage was 41-years-old and had been a firefighter for Ann Arbor since September 1995.
At the beginning of the investigation, police believed that Armitage may have been trying to change a tire.
Armitage had a wife and three children.
Oakland County Medical Examiner Rules Firefighter's Death a Suicide
Daniel Armitage died after being struck on I-696 in Farmington Hills
West Bloomfield Patch
January 9, 2012
http://westbloomfield.patch.com/articles/oakland-county-medical-examiner-rules-firefighter-s-death-a-suicide
The Oakland County Medical Examiner has ruled the death of Daniel Armitage a suicide.
Armitage was 41-years-old and had been a firefighter for Ann Arbor since September 1995.
At the beginning of the investigation, police believed that Armitage may have been trying to change a tire.
Armitage had a wife and three children.
Oakland County Medical Examiner Rules Firefighter's Death a Suicide
Daniel Armitage died after being struck on I-696 in Farmington Hills
West Bloomfield Patch
January 9, 2012
http://westbloomfield.patch.com/articles/oakland-county-medical-examiner-rules-firefighter-s-death-a-suicide
Oakland County Medical Examiner Rules Firefighter's Death a Suicide. I-696 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills MI.
The death of Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage on I-696 in Farmington Hills Thursday has been ruled a suicide, the Oakland County Medical Examiner's office announced today.
The 41-year-old Bloomfield Hills resident died at around 6:30 a.m., after being struck multiple times. The accident closed down the freeway from Telegraph Rd. to Orchard Lake Rd. for six hours, backing up traffic for miles as Michigan State Police (MSP) investigated.
Ruben Ortiz-Reyes, deputy medical examiner, told the Detroit Free Press today that information provided by MSP led to the suicide ruling. Witnesses said Armitage was lying in the lane of traffic before he was struck by as many as three vehicles.
Initial reports in local media indicated Armitage was changing a tire on his SUV, as lug nuts were loosened on the tire and the spare was out. But police raised questions when their investigation showed the tire was not flat and had no leaks or damage.
Investigators with the Bloomfield Township Police Department are also looking into a report of domestic assault at Armitage's home. Department officials said they will not discuss the possible incident or the investigation until it is complete.
Armitage's wife was hospitalized last week in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Free Press.
Armitage is also survived by three young children.
If you need immediate help with depression or suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who does, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Help is available at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK; Common Ground Mental Health and Crisis Intervention at 800-231-1127; and at Samaritan Counseling Center at 248-474-4701. You can find the Farmington Area Suicide Awareness Group on Facebook
Ann Arbor Firefighter’s Death Ruled A Suicide
CBS NEWS - DETROIT
Dan Armitage (credit: Ann Arbor Fire Department)
BLOOMFIELD HILLS (WWJ) – The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s office has ruled that death of an off-duty firefighter on I-696 was a suicide.
Initial reports said that 41-year-old Daniel Armitage, of Bloomfield Township, was changing a tire when he laid down in the right lane and was hit. However, Michigan State Police said the tire on the his SUV did not appear to be flat and the vehicle was drivable.
Police said Armitage was struck by at least three vehicles as motorists were unable to avoid him.
Meantime, Bloomfield Township police have confirmed they are investigating a reported domestic assault at Armitage’s home, but police have not released any details about that alleged incident.
Funeral services for Armitage are set for Tuesday at 11 a.m at St. Hugo of the Hills Church in Bloomfield Hills. His body will lie in repose an hour before the service.
A 16-year veteran of the Ann Arbor Fire Department, Armitage leaves behind a wife and three young children.
Detroit Free Press: Ann Arbor firefighter's death on I-696 ruled a suicide
Ann Arbor News
Armitage died Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles on Interstate 696 during the morning rush hour. He was 41 years old.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Hugo of the Hills Church, 2215 Opdyke Road, in Bloomfield Hills, according to the report.
The report states Armitage died of multiple injuries and was hit by at least three vehicles. Information from police was used by the medical examiner to help determine the cause of death, according to the report.
According to police, Armitage was the on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 near Farmington Road and was lying in the right lane when hit. It appeared that he was changing a tire, police said.
Bloomfield Township police are investigating an alleged domestic assault at Armitage’s home on Jan. 1. Armitage’s wife is currently in Beaumont Hospital, according to police.
Ann Arbor firefighter's death ruled a suicide
By The Detroit News
January 9, 2012
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120109/METRO/201090443
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled the death of Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage a suicide.
Armitage, 41, died early Thursday after being struck by three cars. It was initially reported he was struck while changing a tire on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road.
Michigan State Police last week had said a number of facts in the death raised questions. Among them: Armitage not having his wallet on him when he died and at least two witnesses reporting Armitage was on the pavement in the middle of the lane "like he was going to sleep" just before he was hit.
Meanwhile, reports indicated Armitage allegedly abused his wife of 12 years, and at the time of his death, she was hospitalized with injuries that police said could be tied to Armitage.
Bloomfield Township police confirmed last week they were investigating a domestic assault case at the Armitage home on Mohawk Court. Armitage's wife was admitted to an area hospital on New Year's Day after having a seizure, according to reports.
ANN ARBOR:
Fund created to benefit children of firefighter Daniel Armitage
The Heritage
The Heritage
January 10, 2012
http://heritage.com/articles/2012/01/10/ann_arbor_journal/news/doc4f0cadd5ac571407134196.txt
A fund, the Health and Welfare of the Armitage Children, has been created by the family of Daniel Armitage, the city firefighter who died Jan. 5 on I-696.
The fund has been set at Flagstar Bank, according to a press release from the city of Ann Arbor.
Armitage, a 41-year-old West Bloomfield Township resident, was struck by at least three vehicles on I-696 in Farmington Hills. His death has been ruled a suicide by the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office.
While his death first appeared to be an accident as he was reported to have been changing a tire, Michigan State Police determined there were suspicious circumstances. According to the state police, the tire supposedly being changed was not flat. It had no leaks and could be driven on. Armitage had said he was going to breakfast that morning, but he had no money or wallet on him. Police now say he was struck in the middle of the right hand lane while his vehicle was safely parked many feet away in the shoulder.
If you feel suicidal, get help. Call 1-800-273-TALK , a 24-hour national suicide prevention hotline. Military veterans should press "1."
ME Rules Ann Arbor Firefighter Daniel Armitage's Death a Suicide
myFOXDetroit.com
http://heritage.com/articles/2012/01/10/ann_arbor_journal/news/doc4f0cadd5ac571407134196.txt
A fund, the Health and Welfare of the Armitage Children, has been created by the family of Daniel Armitage, the city firefighter who died Jan. 5 on I-696.
The fund has been set at Flagstar Bank, according to a press release from the city of Ann Arbor.
Armitage, a 41-year-old West Bloomfield Township resident, was struck by at least three vehicles on I-696 in Farmington Hills. His death has been ruled a suicide by the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office.
While his death first appeared to be an accident as he was reported to have been changing a tire, Michigan State Police determined there were suspicious circumstances. According to the state police, the tire supposedly being changed was not flat. It had no leaks and could be driven on. Armitage had said he was going to breakfast that morning, but he had no money or wallet on him. Police now say he was struck in the middle of the right hand lane while his vehicle was safely parked many feet away in the shoulder.
If you feel suicidal, get help. Call 1-800-273-TALK , a 24-hour national suicide prevention hotline. Military veterans should press "1."
ME Rules Ann Arbor Firefighter Daniel Armitage's Death a Suicide
myFOXDetroit.com
Jan 10, 2012
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/me-rules-ann-arbor-firefighter-daniel-armitage-death-a-suicide-20120109-ms
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/me-rules-ann-arbor-firefighter-daniel-armitage-death-a-suicide-20120109-ms
Dan Armitage wearing his Ann Arbor Fire Department uniform
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -- The Oakland County Medical Examiner has ruled the death of a firefighter struck and killed on I-696 a suicide.
Daniel Armitage, 41, was a veteran Ann Arbor firefighter who lived in Bloomfield Township.
He appeared to be changing a tire last Thursday morning along I-696 in Farmington Hills, but evidence collected by police proved that his tire wasn't flat and that Armitage deliberately placed himself in front of traffic.
Reports of alleged spousal abuse have also been swirling since the story first broke. Police are also investigating that.
The funeral for Armitage takes place at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Hugo of the Hills church in Bloomfield Hills.
Firefighter’s death ruled a suicide by Oakland County Medical Examiner
Detroit Crime Examiner
January 10, 2012
http://www.examiner.com/crime-in-detroit/firefighter-s-death-ruled-a-suicide-by-oakland-county-medical-examiner
http://www.examiner.com/crime-in-detroit/firefighter-s-death-ruled-a-suicide-by-oakland-county-medical-examiner
16-year veteran firefighter took his own life, the Oakland ME found. Credits: official portrait
Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage took his own life last Thursday morning, the Oakland County Medical Examiner ruled Monday. The conclusion was based on certain findings made by Michigan State Police accident investigators.
Armitage, 41, was a ladder-truck driver for the Ann Arbor Fire Department, a 16-year veteran of the service. He died at about 6:30 AM January 5 when he was run over by at least three vehicles in a westbound lane of I-696 in Farmington Hills.
The incident forced temporary closure of the westbound lanes and a lengthy, six hour backup.
A father and his two children were injured after their car hit the median in a chain-reaction accident.
At first investigators thought Armitage had been killed while trying to change his front driver’s side tire.
The man’s white, late model BMW SUV was parked on the shoulder with emergency flashers activated and a spare tire on the ground. Other findings soon revealed inconsistencies in the accidental death theory.
First, investigators found that the suspect tire was not leaking air, and had sufficient pressure to be driven on.
Next, they discovered that Armitage was not working on the tire when he was hit. The tire jack remained in the trunk and only two of the lug nuts had been loosened.
Instead, Armitage was lying in the middle of the right traffic lane, many feet from his vehicle, when hit. He appeared to have deliberately exposed himself to oncoming traffic.
Third, the off-duty firefighter had told others he was going out for breakfast that morning. However, he was found with no wallet and no money.
Deputy medical examiner Ruben Ortiz-Reyes told the Detroit Free Press that these investigative findings were the basis for determining the manner of death as suicide.
Armitage may have staged the tire changing so that his death would be ruled an accident. The determination of suicide will affect his family’s entitlement to life insurance benefits, according to the Ann Arbor Journal.
Evidence of serious family problems may provide the motive for suicide. Bloomfield Twp police were investigating a reported domestic assault at the family home in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
Armitage’s wife was taken to Beaumont Hospital following the Jan 1 assault.
ME Rules Firefighter’s Death a Suicide
Red Lasso
Red Lasso
Funeral held for Mich. firefighter who died on highway
Daniel Armitage, an Ann Arbor firefighter, died of multiple injuries when he was hit by at least three vehicles Thursday
Fire Rescue 1
The Detroit News
January 10, 2012
http://www.firerescue1.com/firefighter-safety/articles/1217188-Funeral-held-for-Mich-firefighter-who-died-on-highway/
Bloomfield Hills, Mich. — Funeral services will be held later Tuesday morning for Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage.
The services — which will be at 11 a.m. at St. Hugo of the Hills Church at 2215 Opdyke Road in Bloomfield Hills — come a day after the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death of Armitage a suicide.
Armitage, 41, died early Thursday after being struck by three cars. It was initially reported he was struck while changing a tire on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road.
Michigan State Police last week had said a number of facts in the death raised questions. Among them: Armitage not having his wallet on him when he died and at least two witnesses reporting Armitage was on the pavement in the middle of the lane "like he was going to sleep" just before he was hit.
Meanwhile, reports indicated Armitage allegedly abused his wife of 12 years, and at the time of his death, she was hospitalized with injuries that police said could be tied to Armitage.
Bloomfield Township police confirmed last week they were investigating a domestic assault case at the Armitage home on Mohawk Court. Armitage's wife was admitted to an area hospital on New Year's Day after having a seizure, according to reports.
Hundreds Attend Funeral of Bloomfield Township Man Who Died on I-696
Ann Arbor firefighter, whose death was ruled a suicide, is survived by his wife and three children
Bloomfiled Hills Patch
Fire Rescue 1
The Detroit News
January 10, 2012
http://www.firerescue1.com/firefighter-safety/articles/1217188-Funeral-held-for-Mich-firefighter-who-died-on-highway/
Bloomfield Hills, Mich. — Funeral services will be held later Tuesday morning for Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage.
The services — which will be at 11 a.m. at St. Hugo of the Hills Church at 2215 Opdyke Road in Bloomfield Hills — come a day after the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death of Armitage a suicide.
Armitage, 41, died early Thursday after being struck by three cars. It was initially reported he was struck while changing a tire on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road.
Michigan State Police last week had said a number of facts in the death raised questions. Among them: Armitage not having his wallet on him when he died and at least two witnesses reporting Armitage was on the pavement in the middle of the lane "like he was going to sleep" just before he was hit.
Meanwhile, reports indicated Armitage allegedly abused his wife of 12 years, and at the time of his death, she was hospitalized with injuries that police said could be tied to Armitage.
Bloomfield Township police confirmed last week they were investigating a domestic assault case at the Armitage home on Mohawk Court. Armitage's wife was admitted to an area hospital on New Year's Day after having a seizure, according to reports.
Hundreds Attend Funeral of Bloomfield Township Man Who Died on I-696
Ann Arbor firefighter, whose death was ruled a suicide, is survived by his wife and three children
Bloomfiled Hills Patch
January 10, 2012
http://bloomfield-mi.going.com/articles/armitage-funeral
Several hundred friends, family and co-workers attended the funeral of Bloomfield Township resident and Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage's at St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills today.
Armitage, 41, died after being struck by multiple vehicles during the morning rush-hour Thursday on Interstate 696 in Farmington Hills. Armitage is survived by his wife, Christine, and three young sons.
Family requested the church and parking lots be closed to media, according to police. Officers with the Bloomfield Hills Department of Public Safety closed off the main church driveways with orange cones shortly after 9 a.m. and directed traffic toward available parking spaces, which were virtually impossible to find as the start of the service neared. Vehicles donning decals from the Ann Arbor Fire Department, the Ypsilanti Township Fire Department and professional firefighters unions were parked on the outer edges of the grass.
The family requested no ceremonial procession, police and church officials said.
While grieving continues, several questions remain about Armitage's death.
It appeared he was changing a tire along the westbound lanes at about 6:30 a.m. when he was struck, but police determined the tire he was believed to be working on was not flat. Other witnesses said he was lying in the traffic lane. On Monday, the Oakland County Medical Examiner ruled Armitage's death a suicide.
An investigation by the Bloomfield Township Police Department into a report of a domestic assault at Armitage's home on New Year's Day is ongoing, and police declined further comment.
Donations are suggested to the Health and Welfare of the Armitage Children fund at any Flagstar Bank branch, or can be mailed to 2600 Crooks Rd. in Troy, MI, 48084.
Firefighter's death on Michigan highway ruled suicide
MLive
http://bloomfield-mi.going.com/articles/armitage-funeral
Several hundred friends, family and co-workers attended the funeral of Bloomfield Township resident and Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage's at St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills today.
Armitage, 41, died after being struck by multiple vehicles during the morning rush-hour Thursday on Interstate 696 in Farmington Hills. Armitage is survived by his wife, Christine, and three young sons.
Family requested the church and parking lots be closed to media, according to police. Officers with the Bloomfield Hills Department of Public Safety closed off the main church driveways with orange cones shortly after 9 a.m. and directed traffic toward available parking spaces, which were virtually impossible to find as the start of the service neared. Vehicles donning decals from the Ann Arbor Fire Department, the Ypsilanti Township Fire Department and professional firefighters unions were parked on the outer edges of the grass.
The family requested no ceremonial procession, police and church officials said.
While grieving continues, several questions remain about Armitage's death.
It appeared he was changing a tire along the westbound lanes at about 6:30 a.m. when he was struck, but police determined the tire he was believed to be working on was not flat. Other witnesses said he was lying in the traffic lane. On Monday, the Oakland County Medical Examiner ruled Armitage's death a suicide.
An investigation by the Bloomfield Township Police Department into a report of a domestic assault at Armitage's home on New Year's Day is ongoing, and police declined further comment.
Donations are suggested to the Health and Welfare of the Armitage Children fund at any Flagstar Bank branch, or can be mailed to 2600 Crooks Rd. in Troy, MI, 48084.
Firefighter's death on Michigan highway ruled suicide
MLive
January 10, 2012
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2012/01/firefighters_death_on_michigan.html
An autopsy has concluded that an off-duty Ann Arbor firefighter who died after vehicles struck him on a suburban Detroit expressway committed suicide.
The Oakland Press, the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News and TV stations WDIV, WJBK and WXYZ say the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office determined that 41-year-old Daniel Armitage took his own live.
Deputy Medical Examiner Ruben Ortiz-Reyes says the office used information from police to reach its conclusion.
Authorities say Armitage's vehicle was parked on the side of Interstate 696 in Farmington Hills. They say at least three vehicles struck him Thursday.
Witnesses say he was lying in the right lane when he was hit.
Armitage's funeral is at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills.
Fund established for children of Ann Arbor firefighter killed on I-696
Ann Arbor News
Jan 10, 2012
http://209.81.87.86/news/fund-established-for-children-of-ann-arbor-firefighter-killed-on-i-696/
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2012/01/firefighters_death_on_michigan.html
An autopsy has concluded that an off-duty Ann Arbor firefighter who died after vehicles struck him on a suburban Detroit expressway committed suicide.
The Oakland Press, the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News and TV stations WDIV, WJBK and WXYZ say the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office determined that 41-year-old Daniel Armitage took his own live.
Deputy Medical Examiner Ruben Ortiz-Reyes says the office used information from police to reach its conclusion.
Authorities say Armitage's vehicle was parked on the side of Interstate 696 in Farmington Hills. They say at least three vehicles struck him Thursday.
Witnesses say he was lying in the right lane when he was hit.
Armitage's funeral is at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills.
Fund established for children of Ann Arbor firefighter killed on I-696
Ann Arbor News
Jan 10, 2012
http://209.81.87.86/news/fund-established-for-children-of-ann-arbor-firefighter-killed-on-i-696/
The family of Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage, who died on Interstate 696 in Farmington Hills last week, has set up a fund for his children, the City of Ann Arbor announced today.
Donations are being accepted at Flagstar Bank for the Health and Welfare of the Armitage Children Fund.
Armitage died Thursday after being struck by several vehicles on I-696 near Farmington Road. The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office on Monday ruled his death a suicide.
Armitage had parked on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 and was lying in the right lane when when he was hit, police said. Initially, police said he appeared to have been trying to change a tire.
A funeral for Armitage was scheduled for today at 11 a.m. at St. Hugo of the Hills Church, 2215 Opdyke Road, in Bloomfield Hills.
Resources exist in Washtenaw County for people who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide. Anyone in that circumstance is urged to get immediate help. 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is a 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Hotline (Military veterans press #1 ). 734-662-2222 Ozone House is a 24 hour hotline for youth. 734-996-4747 a 24-hour hotline at U of M Psychiatric Emergency Services.
Fireman lies down in traffic to commit suicide days after being probed for 'domestic assault'
Daily Mail
Donations are being accepted at Flagstar Bank for the Health and Welfare of the Armitage Children Fund.
Armitage died Thursday after being struck by several vehicles on I-696 near Farmington Road. The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office on Monday ruled his death a suicide.
Armitage had parked on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 and was lying in the right lane when when he was hit, police said. Initially, police said he appeared to have been trying to change a tire.
A funeral for Armitage was scheduled for today at 11 a.m. at St. Hugo of the Hills Church, 2215 Opdyke Road, in Bloomfield Hills.
Resources exist in Washtenaw County for people who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide. Anyone in that circumstance is urged to get immediate help. 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is a 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Hotline (Military veterans press #1 ). 734-662-2222 Ozone House is a 24 hour hotline for youth. 734-996-4747 a 24-hour hotline at U of M Psychiatric Emergency Services.
Fireman lies down in traffic to commit suicide days after being probed for 'domestic assault'
Daily Mail
January 10, 2012
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2084752/Daniel-Armitage-Fireman-lies-traffic-kills-week-probed-domestic-assault.html
--Daniel Armitage, 41, fireman in Ann Arbor, Michigan
--Father-of-three was run over by at least three cars
--Investigated over New Year's Day assault at his home
--Daniel Armitage, 41, fireman in Ann Arbor, Michigan
--Father-of-three was run over by at least three cars
--Investigated over New Year's Day assault at his home
A 41-year-old fireman committed suicide by lying down in traffic just four days after he was probed for alleged domestic assault, officials said.
Daniel Armitage, a fireman in Ann Arbor, Michigan, who was married with three children, was run over by at least three cars on I-696 on Thursday.
It seemed at first he was trying to change a flat tyre on his BMW SUV - but police found the tyre was not flat and the jack was still in the boot.
He pulled over at 6:30am last Thursday on I-696 and the spare tire was placed next to his white SUV, reported the Detroit Free Press.
But investigators found the tire still on the SUV had enough pressure to drive on it, although two lug nuts had been removed.
However none of the other lug nuts were loosened, which was strange as this is usually done to all of them on a tire when a car is jacked up.
Witnesses said he was lying down in the right lane of traffic and his SUV was parked with its lights flashing, reported the Detroit Free Press.
A father and his two children were hurt when their vehicle was forced into the central reservation. The road was closed for more than six hours.
Police will not release details of the alleged domestic abuse incident until their investigation of Mr Armitage’s death is complete.
Police will not release details of the alleged domestic abuse incident until their investigation of Mr Armitage’s death is complete.
A funeral is being held for Mr Armitage, of Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Tuesday at St Hugo of the Hills Church in Bloomfield Hills.
Mr Armitage had been a fireman in Ann Arbor, a city around 45 miles west of Detroit, for almost 17 years. He was off-duty at the time of his death.
His wife was hospitalised last week at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, but there has been no update on her condition
Mourners gather for funeral of Ann Arbor firefighter who died on I-696
The Detroit News
January 10, 2012
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120110/METRO02/201100404
Bloomfield Hills— About 400 people said a final goodbye this morning to Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage, a Bloomfield Township resident who officials said committed suicide by laying down on Interstate 696 last week.
Family and friends may have come to the service with questions, but the Rev. Jack Bauer said they will probably never find answers.
"We may never and will never understand why," he said.
Armitage, 41, died last Thursday around 6:30 a.m. when he was struck by three cars on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road.
Michigan State Police initially reported that Armitage was killed trying to change a flat tire. The investigation showed he was actually many feet away from his car, and at least two witnesses reported he was on the pavement in the middle of the right hand lane "like he was going to sleep," police said.
During the funeral service, Bauer requested a prayer for the drivers and witnesses near the scene, saying they deserve no blame and "we harbor no anger towards them."
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a suicide on Monday.
Armitage didn't have his wallet on him or in the car, with only his driver's license in the glove compartment.
One other driver incurred minor injuries after swerving to avoid the area and crashing into the retaining wall of the freeway.
Mr Armitage had been a fireman in Ann Arbor, a city around 45 miles west of Detroit, for almost 17 years. He was off-duty at the time of his death.
His wife was hospitalised last week at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, but there has been no update on her condition
Mourners gather for funeral of Ann Arbor firefighter who died on I-696
The Detroit News
January 10, 2012
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120110/METRO02/201100404
Bloomfield Hills— About 400 people said a final goodbye this morning to Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage, a Bloomfield Township resident who officials said committed suicide by laying down on Interstate 696 last week.
Family and friends may have come to the service with questions, but the Rev. Jack Bauer said they will probably never find answers.
"We may never and will never understand why," he said.
Armitage, 41, died last Thursday around 6:30 a.m. when he was struck by three cars on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road.
Michigan State Police initially reported that Armitage was killed trying to change a flat tire. The investigation showed he was actually many feet away from his car, and at least two witnesses reported he was on the pavement in the middle of the right hand lane "like he was going to sleep," police said.
During the funeral service, Bauer requested a prayer for the drivers and witnesses near the scene, saying they deserve no blame and "we harbor no anger towards them."
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a suicide on Monday.
Armitage didn't have his wallet on him or in the car, with only his driver's license in the glove compartment.
One other driver incurred minor injuries after swerving to avoid the area and crashing into the retaining wall of the freeway.
Reports have indicated Armitage allegedly abused his wife of 12 years, and at the time of his death, she was hospitalized with injuries that police said could be tied to Armitage.
While not releasing any details, Bloomfield Township police confirmed in a press release that they were investigating a domestic assault case at the Armitage home on Mohawk Court.
His wife sat teary-eyed in the front row of the funeral, but only clergy spoke during the service.
ANN ARBOR: Firefighter's death on I-696 ruled a suicide
Heritage News
While not releasing any details, Bloomfield Township police confirmed in a press release that they were investigating a domestic assault case at the Armitage home on Mohawk Court.
His wife sat teary-eyed in the front row of the funeral, but only clergy spoke during the service.
ANN ARBOR: Firefighter's death on I-696 ruled a suicide
Heritage News
January 13, 2012
http://heritage.com/articles/2012/01/13/ann_arbor_journal/news/doc4f0b8fb9b3a4a104884217.txt
http://heritage.com/articles/2012/01/13/ann_arbor_journal/news/doc4f0b8fb9b3a4a104884217.txt
Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage was struck by at least three vehicles and killed Jan. 5 while reportedly changing his tire on I-696.
His death has been ruled a suicide by the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office.
A day after he died, new information emerged, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault just days before the incident.
Preliminary details indicated Armitage, a 41-year-old West Bloomfield Township resident, was on the north shoulder changing a tire before being struck by passing vehicles at about 6:30 a.m. Jan. 5, according to the Michigan State Police. He served in the Ann Arbor Fire Department since 1995.
According to a report published Friday by The Detroit News, state police said the tire being changed had no leaks and could be driven on. It was also suspicious Armitage had said he was going to breakfast that morning, but he had no money or wallet on him. Police now say he was struck in the middle of the right hand lane while his vehicle was safely parked many feet away in the shoulder. State police also said Armitage's wife has reported major physical abuse and was in Beaumont Hospital at the time of the accident.
Michigan State Trooper Paul Shunia, who was called to the crash and is in charge of the follow-up investigation, told The Detroit News on Friday that it's possible Armitage's death was a freak accident but because so many things weren't adding up there were suspicions it was a suicide, which it has now been ruled to be.
Determining that his death was from an accident or suicide is a factor in what Armitage's family collects from his life insurance, Shunia said.
Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release last Thursday night.
"Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
"The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed."
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press was able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
Bloomfield Township police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that Armitage's wife was hospitalized after an alleged Jan. 1 assault.
A fund has been created by Armitage's family to benefit his children. It has been set at Flagstar Bank.
If you feel suicidal, get help. Call 1-800-273-TALK, a 24-hour national suicide prevention hotline. Military veterans should press "1."
Suicides of local public safety officers highlight pressures of job
Ann Arbor News
Jan 29, 2012
http://www.annarbor.com/news/suicides-of-local-public-safety-officers-highlight-pressures-of-job/
http://www.annarbor.com/news/suicides-of-local-public-safety-officers-highlight-pressures-of-job/
The recent suicide deaths of three public safety officers from Southeast Michigan, including two from Washtenaw County, highlight the chronic stress that comes with the profession, The Detroit News reported in a story Sunday. Their stories also underscore the difficulty in persuading public safety officers to seek help.
The suicides all occurred in the past two months, drawing attention to the unique pressures faced by public safety professionals:
Greg O’Dell, former police chief for Eastern Michigan University, committed suicide two days before Christmas last month. O’Dell, who had recently left the same position at the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety, reportedly kept his depression from all but his wife and a close friend.
Daniel Armitage, an Ann Arbor firefighter, died after being struck by at least three vehicles on Interstate 696 Jan. 5 in Farmington Hills while apparently changing a tire. His death was later ruled a suicide, and his wife was hospitalized with injuries she said were suffered from domestic abuse.
An on-duty border patrol agent was found dead of an apparent suicide Jan. 10 in a parking lot at Oakwood Southshore Medical Center in Trenton.
Statistics suggest that police officers suffer higher rates of deaths by suicide than firefighters and military personnel. Rates for white, working-age men — a demographic that typifies public safety — had Michigan’s highest per-capita suicide rate of 20.4 in 2009, the last year for which data are available.
Experts say people face a stigma in admitting they’re suicidal to others. And many police and fire agencies have a culture where opening up about personal problems is discouraged.
The suicides all occurred in the past two months, drawing attention to the unique pressures faced by public safety professionals:
Greg O’Dell, former police chief for Eastern Michigan University, committed suicide two days before Christmas last month. O’Dell, who had recently left the same position at the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety, reportedly kept his depression from all but his wife and a close friend.
Daniel Armitage, an Ann Arbor firefighter, died after being struck by at least three vehicles on Interstate 696 Jan. 5 in Farmington Hills while apparently changing a tire. His death was later ruled a suicide, and his wife was hospitalized with injuries she said were suffered from domestic abuse.
An on-duty border patrol agent was found dead of an apparent suicide Jan. 10 in a parking lot at Oakwood Southshore Medical Center in Trenton.
Statistics suggest that police officers suffer higher rates of deaths by suicide than firefighters and military personnel. Rates for white, working-age men — a demographic that typifies public safety — had Michigan’s highest per-capita suicide rate of 20.4 in 2009, the last year for which data are available.
Experts say people face a stigma in admitting they’re suicidal to others. And many police and fire agencies have a culture where opening up about personal problems is discouraged.
