Police: Troy woman killed in multi-vehicle accident along I-94

By Roop Raj
FOX 2 News Reporter

CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Daryn Kienscherf lost his sister, Susan, an avid animal lover, on I-94 eastbound near 23 Mile Road in Chesterfield Township.  The 43-year-old Troy woman was driving on the expressway when she came upon an accident scene early Sunday morning.

Police believe 41-year-old James Wietecha, who was also killed, rammed into a portable direction arrow trailer around 2:00 a.m.  They say three passenger vehicles and a semi tractor-trailer ultimately became involved in the chain reaction accident.  Susan Kienscherf, who is thought to have walked to the scene to help, was hit by one of the cars involved in the pile up.

"Susie stopped on the side of the shoulder and wanted to provide assistance to anybody that might have been hurt," said her brother.

Investigators do not believe alcohol was a factor.

Police say you should never walk onto the interstate.  Use your cell phone instead, but Kienscherf's kindness and will to help others apparently took her right to the scene.  She loved helping people and animals.

"I think this last year somebody had dropped off a box of kittens on her lawn knowing that she would take care of them.  It wasn't random.  They knew Susie's big heart and how much she loved animals and she would do anything to protect them," her brother explained.

"In my mind she didn't think twice about helping somebody.  It was her instinct.  That was her natural reaction regardless of any perceived or potential danger.  That's who she was.  She just wanted to help."

The family is asking for donations in her name to be made to your favorite animal welfare group or to the Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue.