LUDINGTON — The husband of a Traverse City leader was killed Monday morning after a CO2 fire suppression system unexpectedly discharged aboard a tugboat docked in Ludington.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:27 a.m. on March 2, 2026, while the vessel was undergoing maintenance.
The tugboat Undaunted, owned by Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc., was docked for the winter at the time of the accident. Emergency responders from the Ludington Police Department, Ludington Fire Department and LIFE EMS arrived to find that staff members from Interlake Logistics had already begun performing life-saving measures on Mark Allen.
Maintenance was being performed on the vessel’s CO2 fire suppression system when the equipment discharged. Following initial first aid on the scene, Allen was transported to Corewell Health Ludington Hospital where he passed away.
Officials in Traverse City addressed the tragedy involving Mark Allen, the husband of Deputy City Manager Deb Allen. City Manager Benjamin Marentette spoke regarding the impact on city staff.
“On behalf of the City of Traverse City, I will confirm that Deputy City Manager Deb Allen has experienced a family tragedy,” Marentette said. “Mine — and the entire team’s hearts — are broken for Deb. We will not be confirming any details or providing information regarding the tragedy out of respect for her privacy.”
The Ludington Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances of the discharge. Investigators are working in coordination with Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc. to determine what caused the suppression system to activate unexpectedly. Ludington Police Chief Christopher Jones and Captain Michael Haveman oversaw the initial department response to the scene.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Detective Jake Miller at 231-843-2435 or via email at miller209@ci.ludington.mi.us.