ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – A 22-year-old man was found dead Monday in a Rochester Hills ditch after police said he was struck by a hit-and-run driver.
Christopher Morgan, of Rochester Hills, was found dead around 11:30 a.m. Monday in a ditch near Avon and Crooks roads. Police said family members found his body while searching for him after he didn't return home from a graduation party.
Police said Morgan left the graduation party Saturday with his girlfriend, his brother and another woman. Morgan got into an argument with his girlfriend at a traffic light at Avon and Adams road, so he got out of the vehicle around 10:45 p.m. Saturday and walked east on Avon Road.
That was the last time he was seen before his body was found Monday morning.
Driver thought she hit a deer
Acting on a tip, deputies responded to the Red Roof Inn in Orion Township and spoke to the driver of a black Ford Fusion with damage on the front end.
The woman said she believed she had hit a deer in the area of Avon and Adams roads on Saturday evening. She told investigators she had just dropped off a friend in Rochester Hills.
The owner of the vehicle believed to be involved in the crash is not in custody. Police are still investigating the case.
Family finds loved one in ditch
When their loved one did not return from a graduation party Saturday night, family members went looking for the man.
The 22-year-old's body was found in a ditch along Avon Road near Adams Road in Rochester Hills.
"I could not imagine finding my siblings or parents on the side of the road. That would destroy me, honestly," said Coleman Fresquez, who lives in the area.
Police said the man had gotten into an argument with his girlfriend at the graduation party. He was last seen walking away from the home about 10 p.m. Saturday.
Hit-and-run suspected
There are no sidewalks in the area where he was found. Neighbors said drivers do tend to stick to the speed limit on the stretch of Avon Road.
"Once in a while I drive down there and I see pedestrians, cars usually follow the speed," Fresquez said.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-7732-587.
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