Ludington man dead following crash

BRANCH TWP. — A Ludington man died this morning as a result of a single vehicle crash on North Benson Road. Donald McCrath, 55, was traveling north on Benson Road when his Pontiac Fiero apparently struck a deer. The vehicle then crossed the center-line and left the roadway, knocking over a 30-foot pine tree and then flipping over. Sheriff Kim Cole, who was on the scene, said speed was a factor in the crash; the victim was declared dead at the scene.

Wayne Smith, 975 N. Benson Road, said he heard the crash from his house. “It was 12:25 a.m. and I heard a loud noise, like a trailer going over a bump. I went outside to see what happened but it was too dark. At that time, someone was driving by and saw the car off the road. That’s when I called 911.”

Sgt. John Mendham inspects the vehicle.

In addition to Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Custer and Branch fire departments and Life EMS ambulance also responded; Pere Marquette Fire Department’s aerial truck was also called to assist with documenting the scene for investigators. The crash remains under investigation.

This was the second fatal vehicle accident to occur in Mason County in less than a week. Edgar Ward, 88, of Manistee died earlier this week as a result of injuries sustained in a crash on U.S. 10-31 and Quarterline Road last Sunday afternoon.