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Portion of I-96 near Schafer closed after fatal accident, body found on freeway shoulder

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DETROIT (WXYZ) — A portion of eastbound I-96 near Schaefer in Detroit is closed after a body was found on the shoulder of the freeway.

Watch: Chopper 7 captures video of closure of portion of I-96 after body found on freeway shoulder

VIDEO: Portion of I-96 near Schafer closed after body found on freeway shoulder

Police got calls of the body just before 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, before Michigan State Police posted to social media about the closure less than 30 minutes later.

Investigators tell us that the victim was a 59-year-old man from Fruitland Park, Florida, who they say was struck by an unknown vehicle.

The driver of that unknown vehicle fled the scene after the accident, and troopers are now gathering evidence at the scene.

Per MSP, the local lanes of I-96 are closed at Southfield, with all traffic now being diverted to the express lanes. This could impact the morning commute for several Detroit drivers.

“Currently we are looking for the driver that struck this man on the shoulder and then fled," said Lt. Mike Shaw on X. "We are currently attempting to notify his family. Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to call 855.MICH.TIP or Crime Stoppers at 800.SPEAK.UP”