by GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Nearly three years after a fatal crash that claimed the life of a road worker, the Michigan Court of Appeals has heard arguments in the case of Taylor Ryan Johnson, a Buchanan man accused of driving under the influence at the time of the incident.
The charges stem from a tragic accident in July 2022, when 58-year-old William “Mack” Isom was struck and killed while trimming trees along Red Bud Trail in Oronoko Township. Authorities say Johnson’s blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit.
Originally scheduled for trial in June 2023, the case has faced multiple delays, including a new appeal that paused court proceedings once again. If convicted, Johnson could face up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
In an earlier motion, Johnson’s defense team attempted to present evidence suggesting the victim may have been negligent, but higher courts rejected the move, upholding the decision to exclude that line of defense.
This week, oral arguments were presented in Grand Rapids, though a final ruling has not yet been issued.
The case has drawn attention not only across Michigan but also in neighboring states like Wyoming, where officials are closely watching the legal outcome due to similar cases involving impaired drivers and roadway worker safety.
As the community awaits a decision, the case underscores the ongoing national conversation around drunk driving laws and accountability.
