By Shelby Stewart — Staff Writer for The Citizen

BRANDON TWP. – At 5:18 a.m., Sept. 27 two motorists were involved in a head-on collision that took the life of one of the drivers.

A gravel hauler, driven by a 43-year-old Oxford resident, was driving westbound on Oakwood Road just west of Hadley Road when a 2007 Chevy Silverado, driven by a 26-year-old resident of Burton, appears to have crossed the center line and collided.

The driver of the Silverado was pronounced dead at the scene, and it does not appear he was using a seat belt.

Burton Fire Department confirmed that the driver of the Silverado was a firefighter with their department, Joshua Cervantes.

“Wednesday morning, the City of Burton station one lost one of its own in a tragic accident. The dedication that he had not only to his community but to his brothers and sisters in the fire service will never be forgotten,” the department wrote in a Facebook post.

Witnesses stated the Silverado left the roadway and drove onto the shoulder of the road. The driver then appeared to have over-corrected and crossed the center line. Police don’t yet know why he left the roadway.

Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, which is still under investigation.