Heartbreaking Loss: 20-Year-Old Motorcyclist Dies After Striking Deer in Ann Arbor

A profound sense of sorrow has settled over the Ann Arbor community following a tragic late-night incident on Monday, September 15, 2025, which claimed the life of a young motorcyclist. Jacob Paul Zink, a 20-year-old resident of Livonia, was pronounced dead at the scene after his motorcycle collided with a deer on Jackson Road.

The devastating accident unfolded around 10:20 p.m.

near the intersection of Jackson Road and Windswept Drive in Ann Arbor Township. According to reports from the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Zink was riding his 2023 Yamaha motorcycle when he tragically struck a deer that had entered the roadway.

Emergency crews, including the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Huron Valley Ambulance, and the Ann Arbor Fire Department, were dispatched to the scene immediately.

Despite their swift response, the extent of Zink's injuries from the impact proved fatal, and he was pronounced deceased at the crash site.

Authorities have confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the collision. Preliminary investigations also indicate that alcohol and drugs are not believed to be contributing factors in this heartbreaking incident.

The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office accident reconstruction unit has launched a thorough investigation to piece together the exact circumstances that led to the fatal crash.

This tragedy serves as a stark and painful reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can arise on our roads, especially concerning wildlife.

The loss of such a young life has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the victim's family, friends, and the wider community, leaving behind profound grief and unanswered questions.