News
Michael Steury Jr. identified as 10-month-old killed in Amish buggy crash in southern Hillsdale County
Published: Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 12:11 PM Updated: Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 8:00 PM
CAMDEN, MI — Michigan State Police have identified the 10-month-old killed Tuesday in a horse and buggy crash in southern Hillsdale County. Michael Steury Jr. was pronounced dead after being flown to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio, according to a news release from the state police. Michael's parents, 24-year-old Michael and 26-year-old Margie Steury, went to Hillsdale Community Hospital, were treated for minor injuries and later released. Michael's older sister, 18-month-old Marietta Steury, was treated at the scene and did not go to a hospital, the release indicated. A minivan driven by 70-year-old Doris Johns of Camden rear-ended the Steurys' buggy on Montgomery Road near Gilmore Road in Camden Township, according to the release. Both the minivan and the buggy were west on Montgomery. The crash pushed the buggy into the horse. The horse spooked and fled, disconnecting from the buggy and causing it to overturn into a front yard, said 1st Lt. Michael Krumm, the commander of the state police's Jackson post and Jonesville Detachment. The Steurys were thrown from their seats, the release stated. The three people in the minivan were not injured, Krumm said. Johns was not cited at the scene. Once the investigation is complete, a report will be sent to the Hillsdale County Prosecutor's Office for possible charges. Speed does appear to be a factor, Krumm said. Johns told investigators she saw the buggy ahead of her. She said the buggy stopped in the road and she could not stop in time, Krumm said. Tuesday's crash was the second involving a buggy in a week. Early in the morning on May 23, a buggy carrying three people in their 20s was rear-ended on Reading Road near Gilmore Road, Krumm said. The crash happened at the top of a hill. No one was injured, Krumm said. "We have to make sure as drivers we are paying attention," Krumm said. "The buggies have every right to the roadway as everyone else."
Muskegon vigil for motorcyclists killed and injured in Wisconsin accident draws hundreds
MUSKEGON, MI -- Hundreds of motorcyclists and many others from across West Michigan gathered June 1 at Heritage Landing for a candlelight vigil in honor of a Twin Lake man killed and others seriously injured in a crash May 31 in Wisconsin. The vigil was held for Daniel Lee Winsemius, 59, of Twin Lake, who died from injuries sustained in the Thursday afternoon crash and for his nine companions, many of whom were injured, some seriously. The group of 12 Muskegon motorcyclists, all members of the Muskegon Motorcycle Gang, were traveling northbound on U.S. 151 near the town of Taycheedah, Wis., just before 3 p.m. May 31 when a southbound car crossed the centerline and slammed into 10 of the 12.
Funds raised at the vigil will go to a fund set up at PNC Bank. Beginning when branches open June 2, donations can be made to the “MMG Motorcycle Tragedy Fund” at any PNC Bank location nationwide.
Muskegon driver faces prison after plea in cocaine-fueled Laketon chase, crash
MUSKEGON, MI -- Yolanda Richelle Terrell is likely to serve at least eight years in prison after pleading no contest to charges stemming from a cocaine-fueled high-speed police chase and three-vehicle crash Feb. 23 at Laketon Avenue and Getty Street. The crash sent three people to area hospitals, including Terrell. Terrell, 44, of Muskegon Heights this week pleaded as charged to second-degree fleeing and eluding police involving a serious injury, normally a 10-year felony; operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious injury, normally punishable by up to five years; and cocaine possession less than 25 grams, a four-year felony.
Because she is charged as a fourth-time habitual offender, the potential maximum sentence on the first two counts could be anything up to life in prison. Muskegon County 14th Circuit Judge James M. Graves Jr. agreed to cap Terrell's minimum sentence at eight years in prison, according to court records. He scheduled sentencing for July 2. Terrell now stands convicted of being under the influence of cocaine and having it in her possession when, driving a 1993 Cadillac, she fled police eastbound on Laketon and smashed into two other vehicles around noon Feb. 23.
Possible truck found in Calhoun Co. hit and run
CALHOUN COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Police are making progress in a hit-and-run investigation in Calhoun County. They're looking for the driver who they say hit a woman in Emmett Township a week ago. It happened at the intersection of East Michigan Avenue and North Raymond Road, around 10:30 last Thursday night. Officers said Julie Bush was walking to the store, when she was hit by a dark colored pickup truck. Julie is still in the hospital with several broken bones and a fractured skull. Police said they received a tip after we ran our initial story on the incident, and that led them to a pickup truck. Police are checking out that truck now, to see if it was involved in the incident. We will keep you posted on their findings and as news develops in this case.
Man killed in Wisconsin crash returns to West Michigan
Lake Express Ferry brings back Daniel Winsemius. Muskegon, Mich. (WZZM) - Sunday, the body of a Twin Lake man killed in Wisconsin, returned to West Michigan. Daniel Winsemius, 59, arrived on the Lake Express ferry in Muskegon Sunday afternoon and lining the sides of the channel were the members of the Muskegon Motorcycle Gang, family and friends. That group then formed a motorcade that followed the van taking Winsemius to a funeral home in Muskegon. The Twin Lake man had been a part of the Muskegon Motorcycle Gang for 14 years and had gone on several trips with them. This latest trip to Wisconsin ended when a driver crossed the center line and into the group of motorcyclists on Thursday. Ten riders were hit, Winsemius died in the crash. Three others were critically injured. Detectives in Wisconsin are now trying to find out if the driver, a 25 year old man, was distracted while driving. Investigators are also waiting on blood tests to determine if the driver had been drinking or on drugs. He will face charges of negligent homicide in the case. Funeral services for Daniel Winsemius are scheduled for Saturday.
South Bend woman critically injured in Buchanan crash
BUCHANAN, MI — A 23-year-old South Bend woman was critically injured early Sunday in a crash on US-12 west of Bakertown Road. According to a news release from Berrien County Sheriff's Department, at 12:22 a.m. a westbound 1996 Chevy Cavalier crossed the center lane into the path of an eastbound 2003 Ford Ranger. The vehicles collided, injuring all involved. The driver of the Chevy Cavalier, Heather Baker, 23, is being treated at South Bend Memorial Hospital; her passenger, Roman Estrada, 34, also from South Bend was treated and released. The driver of the Ford Ranger was also treated and released. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.Baker was listed in critical condition Monday morning.
South Bend woman critically injured in Buchanan crash
BUCHANAN, MI — A 23-year-old South Bend woman was critically injured early Sunday in a crash on US-12 west of Bakertown Road. According to a news release from Berrien County Sheriff's Department, at 12:22 a.m. a westbound 1996 Chevy Cavalier crossed the center lane into the path of an eastbound 2003 Ford Ranger. The vehicles collided, injuring all involved. The driver of the Chevy Cavalier, Heather Baker, 23, is being treated at South Bend Memorial Hospital; her passenger, Roman Estrada, 34, also from South Bend was treated and released. The driver of the Ford Ranger was also treated and released. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.Baker was listed in critical condition Monday morning.
Deer carcass on I-94 leads to rollover crash, two passengers ejected
UNION PIER, MI — Two back-seat passengers were thrown from a car as it rolled in the median of I-94 after the driver swerved to miss a deer carcass lying in the far left eastbound lane. According to Sgt. Steve Campbell of the Berrien County Sheriff's Department, at 11:02 a.m. Sunday, Neydi Funez, 20, of Chicago, swerved the 2003 Jeep she was driving, went off the road, struck the barrier cable, and the car flipped into the median, ejecting back-seat passengers Ana Funez, 42, and Cynthia Rivas, 42, also of Chicago. The women were airlifted to a hospital in South Bend, he said; their injuries were not life-threatening. The driver suffered minor injuries; front seat passenger Cesar Diaz was not injured, Campbell said. One lane was closed and traffic was slowed for three hours following the crash, Campbell said.