BENZIE COUNTY — A Benzie County deputy’s pursuit ended in a fatal crash on M115 on April 27, killing the driver and injuring Charlevoix golf team members in another vehicle.
According to an April 28 news release from the Benzie County Sheriff’s Office, in the initial incident at approximately 8:50 p.m. on April 27, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle on westbound M-115 (Cadillac Hwy) between Arner and Wallaker Roads.
The driver of the vehicle was wanted for committing felony crimes in Antrim County, including stealing a motor vehicle.
Within 1.5 minutes of activating their patrol vehicle lights, the deputies observed the wanted vehicle swerve into the eastbound lane of traffic, striking a van carrying members and coaches of the Charlevoix Public School’s golf team.
The driver of the suspect vehicle suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash. All seven occupants of the Charlevoix golf team van were transported to Munson Medical Center, Traverse City, with numerous injuries.
The driver of the golf team van was flown to Munson via an Aero-Med helicopter.
The Benzie County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Michigan State Police, Frankfort City Police and Benzonia Township. Fire Department, Frankfort Fire Department, Benzie EMS and MMR.
Per Benzie Sheriff’s Office Policy, Sheriff Kyle Rosa requested the Michigan State Police Traverse City Post to conduct the fatal crash investigation.
In an April 28 post following the accident, Charlevoix Public Schools urged residents to keep their thoughts with those injured.
“As many of you are aware, there was a serious vehicle accident on Sunday, April 27, 2025, involving members of our varsity golf team and our coach as they were traveling to their hotel.
This has been a difficult time for our school community, and we continue to keep everyone involved in our thoughts and prayers. Out of respect for their privacy, we are not sharing names of those involved at this time, as that is theirs to share if and when they choose.
Please keep the focus on supporting our Rayder students, coach and families by continuing to show compassion, kindness, and respect during this time. Counselors and social workers will be available throughout the day to assist students and staff who may need additional support. Let’s take care of one another, Rayders."