A tragic collision on M-115 in Joyfield Township, Northern Michigan, has resulted in the death of a 32-year-old man from Cedar, Michigan, and left multiple high school athletes injured. The incident occurred on Sunday around 8:50 p.m., when the man, reportedly driving a stolen SUV, crashed head-on into a van carrying the Charlevoix Public School's golf team. According to a news release from the Benzie County Sheriff's Office, per 9and10news, the deputies were attempting to stop the SUV for felonies committed in Antrim County, including the theft of a motor vehicle. Despite the activation of patrol vehicle lights, the SUV driver continued to travel and ultimately swerved into the oncoming traffic.
The police pursuit, which began to unfold along a stretch between Arner Road and Wallaker Road, ended abruptly when the suspect's SUV crossed the centerline and collided with the eastbound van. The UpNorthLive report details that the high-speed chase lasted approximately 1.5 minutes before the catastrophic swerve took place. The Michigan State Police, who responded to the scene, pronounced the driver of the SUV dead. The occupants of the golf team van, which included students aged 15 to 18 and an adult driver, were promptly transported to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City for treatment of their injuries.
As confirmed by CBS Detroit, all members of the school's golf team were on their way to a hotel before the unforeseen collision disrupted their travel. The adult driver of the van endured grave injuries that necessitated an Aero-Med helicopter transport to the hospital. Charlevoix Public Schools, as cited by CBS News Detroit, expressed their collective heartache, saying, "This has been a difficult time for our school community, and we continue to keep everyone involved in our thoughts and prayers." They also emphasized the community's focus on supporting the students, coach, and their families through this challenging period.
