Accident victims taken to GR after separate Sunday crashes

Two accidents, occurring on opposite ends of the county, resulted in the transport of two people to Grand Rapids hospitals Sunday.

The first incident took place around 1 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 31 and Hoague Road in Free Soil Township. Bicyclist William Matson, 81, Saginaw was travelling south on U.S. 31 and was attempting to make a left-hand turn onto Hoague Road when he and his bike were struck by a pickup driven by Patrick Barrett of Paw Paw. Barrett was also travelling south on 31. Matson was transported by Aeromed helicopter from the scene to Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids.

Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Grant Township Fire Department, Free Soil/Meade Fire Department and Life EMS responded.

The second incident took place sometime around 7:30 p.m. near the Mason-Oceana counties line in the victinity of Whiskey Creek Campground. It involved an 18-year-old motorcyclist who was riding off-road, lost control on a trail and struck a tree. Jesse Lane of Grand Rapids was transported by helicopter to Spectrum in Grand Rapids for a broken arm and possible head injury, according to the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office along with Carr Fire Department and Life EMS were called to the scene. Because the callers were not exactly sure where they were, it took a considerable amount of time to find the motorcyclist. He ended up being found over a mile into Oceana County. 

Both incidents remain under investigation by the sheriff’s office.