Family, friends, and members of the Montcalm County community are mourning the tragic loss of 17-year-olds Latrese McFerrin and Mark Pettengill, who were killed in a devastating multi-vehicle crash late Thursday night. The young couple, who had recently become parents to a 5-month-old baby boy, are being remembered for their love, devotion, and the strong bond they shared with their child.
According to Michigan State Police (MSP), the crash occurred at approximately 11:11 p.m. on M-46 near Derby Road and involved four vehicles. Troopers said a 49-year-old Grandville man rear-ended a vehicle occupied by McFerrin and Pettengill, causing their car to be pushed into the eastbound lanes of traffic. Once in the roadway, their vehicle was struck by two additional vehicles, driven separately by a married couple traveling toward Saginaw.
Authorities confirmed that both Latrese McFerrin and Mark Pettengill were pronounced dead at the scene. A female driver involved in one of the eastbound vehicles was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries. No additional serious injuries were immediately reported among the other drivers involved.
Investigators said alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash. The roadway was closed overnight between Derby and Sheridan Roads as emergency crews worked at the scene, cleared debris, and assisted investigators. M-46 was reopened around 5:15 a.m. Friday morning. The crash remains under active investigation by Michigan State Police.
Family members shared that the teens had left home earlier in the evening to go to a gas station and never returned. Their sudden deaths have left loved ones in shock and disbelief as they struggle to come to terms with the loss of two young lives with so much potential ahead of them.
Those close to the couple describe them as deeply loving and devoted parents whose world revolved around their baby boy. “He was their top priority 24/7,” a family member said. “They always talked about him, and their world lit up every time they saw him.”
In the wake of the tragedy, family members have created a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses and provide support for their infant son as he faces life without his parents. The fundraiser reflects the family’s grief and determination to honor the teens’ memory while caring for their child.
As the investigation continues, the Montcalm County community is left mourning two young lives cut tragically short. Latrese McFerrin and Mark Pettengill are being remembered not only for how their lives ended, but for the love they shared and the family they built together.
