WAYNE TOWNSHIP — A Marcellus man was airlifted to the hospital after he lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree Sunday morning, according to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies with the department responded to a reported crash on Lawrence Road, near Marcellus Highway, in Wayne Township around 1:49 a.m.

The accident occurred when 23-year-old Terance Hartzell was driving south on Lawrence Road when he swerved his vehicle out of the way of a small animal that ran across the roadway. Hartzell then lost control of his vehicle, which ran off the roadway and collided with a nearby tree.

Crews with AirCare transported the driver to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo for treatment of his injuries.

Hartzell was wearing a seat belt during the crash, and police do not believe alcohol was a factor in the accident. Police are continuing to investigate the incident.

Crews with Wayne Township Fire Department and Pride Care Ambulance assisted deputies and AirCare personnel at the scene.