Leelanau News and Events

One Killed, One Hospitalized In M-72 Crash

By Beth Milligan | July 31, 2022

A 44-year-old Ironwood man was killed and a 23-year-old Lake Ann man hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a three-vehicle crash on M-72 near Gray Road Friday.

According to the Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the area of M-72 just west of Gray Road in Long Lake Township at 10:55pm Friday. While the crash is still under investigation, authorities believe a 23-year-old Lake Ann man was driving east and struck another east-bound vehicle from behind, which was driven by a 46-year-old Traverse City woman. The woman then went off the roadway to the right, where her car overturned. Minor injuries were reported by her and her passenger. They were not hospitalized.

After hitting the woman, the Lake Ann man then crossed the center line, where he struck a west-bound vehicle driven by a 44-year-old Ironwood man. The Ironwood driver died on the scene as a result of injuries from the crash. The Lake Ann man was taken to Munson Medical Center with critical injuries.

Investigators are still working to determine the factors in the crash, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Comment

Barge Owner Pleads Guilty, Gets One Year To Move Vessel

Donald Balcom, the owner of a decrepit barge that has been repeatedly abandoned at numerous points around ...

Read More >>

Polka Kings Of The Midwest: The Past, Present, And Future Of The Cedar Polka Fest

The 42nd annual Cedar Polka Fest may still be four months out, but organizers are already gearing ...

Read More >>

Anchors Aweigh: Inside The 'Biggest Season Ever' For Inland Seas

Thirty-five years after first setting sail, Leelanau County’s Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) is heading into uncharted ...

Read More >>

The Latest Leelanau County Blotter & 911 Call Report

The Leelanau Ticker is back with a look at the most alarming, offbeat, or otherwise newsworthy calls ...

Read More >>