Burr Oak Township, Michigan –Authorities in St. Joseph County are investigating a tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 21-year-old Kayden Gruver early Sunday morning. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive individual located along the roadside near US-12 and Burr Oak Road in Burr Oak Township at approximately 7:09 a.m. on October 26, 2025.
Upon arrival, deputies and emergency medical personnel found a male victim lying near the roadway. Despite life-saving efforts, medical responders determined that the individual was deceased at the scene. Preliminary findings from the initial investigation indicate that the victim, later identified as Kayden Gruver, was struck by a vehicle sometime during the early morning hours.
Investigators believe the vehicle involved in the collision is likely a 2007–2015 GMC Sierra or Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, which may exhibit front-end damage on the passenger side. Authorities are now urgently seeking assistance from the public to help identify and locate this vehicle.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and we are doing everything possible to determine who was responsible,” said Sheriff Chad L. Spence of the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office. “We’re asking anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward.”
The Sheriff’s Office is requesting that anyone who may have had contact with Mr. Gruver on the evening prior to, or the morning of, the incident reach out to investigators. Additionally, residents and business owners in the Burr Oak Township area are being urged to review any available security or surveillance footage that may have captured images of vehicles traveling along US-12 near Burr Oak Road during the relevant time frame.
The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Services Division is leading the investigation, with assistance from Burr Oak Fire and Rescue, Life Care Ambulance, and the Michigan State Police. Officials are continuing to process evidence and canvass the area for witnesses.
Kayden Gruver’s untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the Burr Oak community. Friends and family describe Kayden as a kind-hearted, hardworking, and spirited young man whose life was cut short far too soon. As loved ones mourn his loss, community members are rallying together in hopes that justice will be served and that answers will soon be found.
Authorities emphasize that this remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident—including tips about the suspect vehicle or its possible location—is urged to contact the St. Joseph County Central Dispatch at (269) 467-4195.
The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kayden Gruver and thanks the public for their continued assistance as investigators work to bring closure to this devastating case.
