Cody Scott Terbush, 35, of Troy Dies in Rochester Hills Crash on M-59 Near Livernois; Ejected, No Seat Belt, Speed Suspected.

A Tragic Early Morning Crash

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI – The Troy, Michigan community is mourning the tragic loss of Cody Scott Terbush , 35, whose life was tragically cut short in a fatal single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning in Rochester Hills. The young man, described by those who knew him as vibrant, loved, and full of potential, was pronounced dead at the scene following a violent crash that ejected him from his vehicle.

According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office , the crash occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2026 , along eastbound M-59 near Livernois Road . This stretch of M-59 is a major east-west thoroughfare in suburban Detroit, passing through Rochester Hills and connecting to other Oakland County communities. Even in the early morning hours, the road can see traffic, though it is quieter than during peak commute times.

Investigators said Cody was driving a 2006 Mazda 3 when he lost control while approaching a curve, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and strike a guardrail. The impact was severe. The Mazda 3, a compact car not designed to withstand high-speed collisions with fixed objects, was likely mangled beyond recognition.

But the most devastating detail emerged from the initial investigation: Cody was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by responding emergency personnel. Authorities confirmed that he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash—a decision that almost certainly contributed to his ejection and subsequent death.

Details of the Crash: A Curve, Speed, and Tragedy

The crash occurred on eastbound M-59 near Livernois Road . M-59 is a divided highway in this area, with multiple lanes in each direction, guardrails, and occasional curves. Near Livernois Road, there is a curve that requires drivers to slow down, especially at night when visibility is reduced.

At approximately 2:30 a.m., Cody Scott Terbush was driving his 2006 Mazda 3 eastbound on M-59. As he approached the curve near Livernois Road, he lost control of the vehicle. Investigators have not released specific details about what caused the loss of control—whether he was speeding, whether road conditions played a role, whether he swerved to avoid something, or whether another factor was involved.

But they have indicated that speed may have been a contributing factor . When a driver enters a curve at excessive speed, the vehicle’s tires can lose traction. The driver may overcorrect, causing the vehicle to spin. Alternatively, the driver may simply be unable to turn sharply enough to stay on the roadway.

In this case, the vehicle left the roadway and struck a guardrail . Guardrails are designed to redirect vehicles and absorb impact, but they are not always effective at high speeds, especially for smaller vehicles like the Mazda 3. The impact was severe enough that Cody was ejected from the vehicle—a clear indication of the violence of the crash.

No Seat Belt: A Fatal Decision

One of the most heartbreaking details of this crash is that Cody was not wearing a seat belt . According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45%. In rollovers and crashes involving ejection, the protection is even more significant: nearly 75% of occupants who are ejected from vehicles die.

Ejection occurs when an occupant is thrown from the vehicle during a crash. This can happen through windows, windshields, or doors that open upon impact. When an occupant is ejected, they are then vulnerable to striking the ground, trees, guardrails, or other objects—often with fatal consequences.

Had Cody been wearing his seat belt, he likely would have remained inside the vehicle, restrained and protected by the car’s structure. While he might still have suffered serious injuries, his chances of survival would have been significantly higher.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the seat belt detail in their initial report, likely as a public safety reminder. It is a simple action—clicking a seat belt—that takes less than three seconds. In this case, not doing so cost a 35-year-old man his life.

Victim Identified: Cody Scott Terbush, 35, of Troy

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office, officially identified the deceased as Cody Scott Terbush , a 35-year-old resident of Troy, Michigan . Troy is a large suburb north of Detroit, known for its excellent schools, corporate headquarters, and safe neighborhoods.

As of this writing, authorities have not released additional personal details about Cody Terbush —such as his occupation, family structure, or length of time in Troy. Out of respect for the family’s privacy during the initial grieving period, the Sheriff’s Office has limited public comments.

However, friends, family members, and loved ones have begun sharing memories on social media. What emerges is a picture of a man who was deeply loved and who will be profoundly missed.

One friend wrote on Facebook: “Cody was one of the most genuine people I’ve ever known. He had a heart of gold. I can’t believe he’s gone.”

Another posted: “Rest easy, Cody. You were taken way too soon. Praying for your family in Troy.”

A third acquaintance commented: “He always had a smile on his face. Always. I never saw him without one. That’s how I want to remember him.”

Speed as a Suspected Factor

Investigators believe that speed may have been a contributing factor in this crash. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit will conduct a detailed analysis to determine exactly how fast Cody was traveling before the crash and how speed contributed to his loss of control.

Speed is a leading factor in fatal crashes across the United States. According to NHTSA, speeding was a contributing factor in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in recent years. The risks of speeding are well-documented:

· Reduced reaction time : The faster a vehicle is traveling, the less time the driver has to react to unexpected events.
· Increased stopping distance : A speeding vehicle requires a much longer distance to come to a complete stop.
· More severe crashes : The force of a crash increases exponentially with speed. A crash at 40 mph is far more severe than a crash at 30 mph.
· Loss of control in curves : Every curve has a maximum safe speed. Exceeding that speed can cause the vehicle to lose traction and leave the roadway.

It is possible that Cody was not excessively speeding but was simply driving too fast for the curve given road conditions, lighting, or his own fatigue. The Crash Reconstruction Unit will make the final determination.

The Crash Reconstruction Unit: Investigating the Tragedy

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit is handling the investigation. These are specially trained officers who use advanced techniques to determine exactly what happened in a crash. Their work includes:

· Measuring skid marks and debris fields to estimate speed
· Downloading event data recorders (the “black box” in modern vehicles) to capture pre-crash data like speed, braking, and throttle position
· Photographing and diagramming the scene with precision equipment
· Inspecting the vehicle for mechanical failures
· Interviewing witnesses (though in a 2:30 a.m. crash, there may be few)

The unit’s findings will be included in a final crash report, which will be made available to the family and, through public records requests, to the media. Depending on the findings, no charges are likely in a single-vehicle fatal crash unless there is evidence of criminal behavior (e.g., drag racing or extreme recklessness).

Community Response: Mourning in Troy and Rochester Hills

The loss of Cody Scott Terbush has sent shockwaves through the Troy and Rochester Hills communities. In Troy, where Cody lived, neighbors and friends have gathered to support his family. A makeshift memorial has reportedly been placed near the crash site on M-59, though access to the highway is limited for safety reasons. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes have been left on the roadside near Livernois Road.

One sign reads: “Cody Terbush, 35. Gone too soon.” Another says: “Rest in peace, Cody. Buckle up for Cody.”

In Rochester Hills, where the crash occurred, residents have expressed sympathy for the family. The crash has also sparked conversations about the dangers of speeding on M-59, particularly at night.

One local resident said: “People fly down M-59 at all hours. I’ve seen so many near-misses. It’s a dangerous road, especially around the curves. My heart goes out to Cody’s family.”

A Hard Loss for Family and Friends

Cody’s sudden passing has left family, friends, and loved ones in deep shock and sorrow as they struggle to come to terms with the heartbreaking loss. Those who knew Cody are holding tightly to the memories shared with him throughout his life.

For his family, the loss is unimaginable. A 35-year-old son, brother, or father is gone in an instant. The phone call from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office informing them of the crash is one no family should ever have to receive. The days ahead will be filled with funeral arrangements, notifications, and the slow, painful process of adjusting to life without him.

One family member, speaking anonymously, said: “Cody was loved. He was so loved. We are devastated. Please respect our privacy as we grieve.”

The Importance of Seat Belt Awareness

The death of Cody Scott Terbush is a tragic reminder of the life-saving importance of seat belts. It is a simple act that takes less than three seconds. Yet every year, thousands of people die in crashes—like Cody—because they were not buckled up.

According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, Michigan’s seat belt usage rate is around 94.5%, slightly above the national average. But that means about 5.5% of drivers and passengers are still not buckling up. In 2024 (the most recent year with complete data), nearly 300 people killed in Michigan crashes were not wearing seat belts.

The message from safety advocates is clear: Buckle up. Every trip. Every time. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving across town or across the state. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the front seat or the back seat. It doesn’t matter if you’re a careful driver. Crashes happen. And seat belts save lives.

How to Support the Terbush Family

As the community grieves, support continues to surround his loved ones during this difficult time. Friends have organized a meal train for the family. A GoFundMe campaign is expected to be established to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support to Cody’s dependents.

Those wishing to send condolences can do so through the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office victim services unit, which will forward messages to the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family may request donations to a charity focused on traffic safety or seat belt awareness. Details will be shared when available.

A Final Farewell

Rest in peace, Cody Scott Terbush. You will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

At just 35 years old, Cody had decades of life ahead of him. He was a son, a friend, a member of the Troy community. He had dreams, plans, and people who loved him. And on a curve on M-59 in the early morning hours, all of that was taken away.

His family now faces the unimaginable: planning a funeral for a man who should have had many more years to live, to love, to laugh.

If you knew Cody Scott Terbush , hold onto his memory. Share his story. And next time you get in a car—whether you’re driving across town or across the state—buckle up. Do it for Cody. It takes three seconds. It could save your life.