Devastating Collision Kills One, Involves Michigan Teen Golf Team

A police pursuit in Northern Michigan left one person dead after a motorist hit a van carrying several members of the Charlevoix High School Golf team.

The incident occurred on Sunday (4/27) in Benzie County as a man fleeing police in a stolen vehicle crashed head-on into the van carrying the teenagers. The driver of the SUV fleeing police died from his injuries.

What Are the Details?

According to 9 and 10 News, a Benzie County deputy attempted to stop a vehicle traveling westbound on M-115. The driver was wanted on felony charges he had committed in Antrim County, including theft of a vehicle.

Less than two minutes after the pursuit began, the deputy observed the driver crossing the center line into the eastbound lane, striking the van carrying the teens and their coach.

All six students and the team coach who was driving the van were injured. Those seven people were transported to local hospitals. The students, all aged 15 to 18, and the adult coach all sustained several injuries. The extent of those injuries is unknown at this time.

School Responds After Fatal Accident Involving Varsity Golf Team

Charlevoix Public Schools Superintendent Mike Ritter and Charlevoix High School Principal Dan Terryberry issued a statement Sunday night after the crash. That statement was published by the Petoskey News Review:

"We are deeply saddened to inform you that earlier today, our varsity golf team and their coach were involved in a serious accident," the statement said. "The situation remains critical, and several individuals are receiving medical care. Out of respect for the privacy of those involved, we are not sharing further details at this time. Please keep our students, coach and their families in your thoughts and prayers."

Our thoughts are with the families of those involved in the crash.