CMU student dies in Gratiot County car crash


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A Central Michigan University senior died in a car crash early Thursday in Gratiot County.

Taylor Dalian, 21, was driving south on U.S. 127 near St. Charles Road in Emerson Township at about 2 a.m. when her vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a guardrail. 

Gratiot County Sheriff Doug Wright said Dalian, of Canton, was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Deputies believe she may have been texting while driving, Wright said. Dalian was pronounced dead at the scene. Alcohol was not a factor in the accident. 

This is not the first serious accident in the area caused by distracted driving, Wright said, and probably won't be the last.

"People need to put their phones down and pay attention to their driving," Wright said. "It's a matter of life and death." 

Increased speed limits could be a factor in the recent uptick in distracted driving deaths, Wright added. 

The Gratiot County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Ithaca Fire and Rescue and Mobile Medical Response. CMU police helped the Gratiot County Sheriff's Office notify Dalian's roommates and university officials. 

The accident remains under investigation. 

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