News Summary

A head-on collision in Benzie County, Michigan, involved a stolen vehicle and the Charlevoix High School varsity golf team van. The crash resulted in numerous injuries among the students and their coach, while the driver of the fleeing SUV was pronounced dead at the scene. Community leaders express deep sadness and call for support for those affected. This incident has prompted a GoFundMe campaign to assist the victims and their families as they cope with the aftermath.

Tragic Crash Involving Charlevoix High School Golf Team

In a somber incident that has shaken the community, a man fleeing from police in a stolen vehicle collided head-on with a van carrying the Charlevoix High School varsity golf team on a quiet Sunday night in Benzie County, Michigan. The crash occurred on M-115, between Lindy Road and Wallacker Road, in Joyfield Township.

The Pursuit

The suspect, a 32-year-old man from Cedar, Michigan, had a troubled past with a criminal record that included charges of aggravated stalking and arson. Just moments before the tragic crash, he was involved in a felonious assault complaint that sent local authorities scrambling. The police sought to stop him, but he refused, driving westbound on M-115 in a dramatic police chase.

While fleeing, he crossed the centerline approximately a mile and a half into the pursuit and crashed into the golf team’s van, filled with young students and their coach. Eyewitness accounts painted a harrowing picture of the moment, as the sound of the crash echoed in the quiet night.

The Aftermath

The van contained six students, aged between 15 to 18, and their adult coach, Doug Drenth, who also manages the clubhouse at Charlevoix Golf Club. The team was returning to their hotel at Crystal Mountain Resort, tired but exhilarated after a round of golf at Arcadia Bluffs. The incident took a devastating turn as all occupants of the van were rushed to Munson Medical Center with what authorities described as numerous injuries. Meanwhile, the driver of the SUV was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Community Response

The news sent ripples of shock throughout Charlevoix, prompting Charlevoix Public Schools Superintendent Mike Ritter and the high school principal, Dan Terryberry, to send letters home to families. The letters conveyed heartfelt sadness at the incident and called for the community to come together, offering thoughts and prayers for all those injured.

As the local community rallies support for the victims, a GoFundMe campaign has surfaced, aimed at assisting the woman who was assaulted by Plichta before he took off in her vehicle. Community members are stepping up, providing support and assistance in any way they can during this difficult time.

Emergency Response

The incident triggered a major emergency response, drawing resources from various local organizations, including the Benzie County Sheriff’s Office, the Thompsonville Fire Department, and medical units from Benzie County EMS and Mobile Medical Response (MMR). These responders quickly arrived on the scene, working tirelessly to manage the situation and provide care to those affected.

School Operations

As of Monday morning, Charlevoix school officials announced that there would be no changes to school operations. However, they are prepared to provide support services for students and staff impacted by the crash, ensuring that everyone has access to the help they need during this trying time.

Looking Back

This tragedy follows a series of fatal incidents involving school golf teams in recent years, including a heartbreaking accident in 2013 and another during a university golf tournament last year. The community is now left to grapple with the emotional aftermath while honoring the memories of those affected by this latest event.

As investigations continue, Lt. Ashley Miller of the Michigan State Police described the crash as horrific and emphasized that all efforts are being deployed to ensure a thorough investigation. The hope is to bring clarity to the situation and provide closure for the impacted families.

The sense of loss weighs heavily on the hearts of many, and as they come together to support each other, it’s evident that this incident is more than just a tragic crash—it’s a reminder of how interconnected and supportive a community can be in times of need.

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