Driver Sentenced in Crash That Killed Michigan Towman

A 19-year-old who struck and killed Hastings, Michigan tow truck driver Keagan Spencer in November 2023 was sentenced Monday morning. Payton Ferris pleaded “no contest” to misdemeanor charges and received two years of probation, mandatory counseling, and 500 hours of community service. Ferris will face one year in jail if probation is violated and was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine plus restitution for Spencer’s funeral costs.

Ferris’ driver’s license was suspended for a year, and he must complete all available distracted and safe driving classes. The judge warned that any traffic infraction would violate his probation.

The sentencing came after emotional statements from Spencer’s family, who criticized the punishment as too lenient.

Spencer was killed while towing vehicles on M-6 near Kraft when he stopped on the median. His death has fueled support for the Slow Down! Move Over movement, which advocates for roadside safety.

Spencer’s family has also been pushing for “Keagan’s Law,” a bill that would allow tow trucks to use blue flashing lights at emergency scenes. Keegan's father Matt Spencer has spoken to lawmakers in Michigan and Washington, D.C., urging them to take action to prevent future tragedies. Source: https://www.wzzm13.com