A Romulus man well known for his work as a veterinarian over the years in Brownstown Township was killed in an out-of-state highway crash recently.
According to a Kansas highway report, Dr. Martin P. McLaughlin, 68, was killed in a two-car crash on a state highway in Kansas at about 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15.
It occurred on K-61 in Reno County, KS, about 50 miles west of Wichita, Kansas. McLaughlin was reportedly driving southbound in a 2024 Ford F-150 and the driver of a semitruck was traveling northbound.
Records show he is a resident of Ludington, Mich. The vehicles crashed head on in the southbound lane, the report said.
McLaughlin’s pickup became engulfed in flames from the impact. It came to rest in the northbound lane on fire as a semi veered off the road and crashed into a ditch.
Police said McLaughlin was pronounced dead at the scene. The other Michigan driver was transported to Reno County Hospital and his injuries are described as serious, the report said.
McLaughlin operated a practice in the township, McLaughlin Veterinary Hospital, for several years, but ran into difficulty in 2021 after the death of one of his own dogs.
The incident created quite a controversy when it was reported that his dog was left overnight in a sweltering car.
In a statement to police, he said he accidentally left his yellow Labrador, named Trigger, in the car and found him there the following morning. At the time there were many outraged by the death of the dog, while others called the incident an unfortunate accident. McLaughlin serviced animals throughout the Downriver area.
Those who spoke out on his behalf said they have brought their animals to him over the years and loved the service he offered.
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