Motorcyclist critically injured in hit-and-run crash.

Motorcyclist critically injured in hit-and-run crash.

Fleeing driver arrested on charges of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury and hit and run causing serious injury.  

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Michigan State Police troopers from the Hart post are investigating a hit-and-run crash that occurred Sunday, Sept. 17, around 2 a.m. on Pere Marquette Highway north of Iris Road, according to a Michigan State Police press release. 

“Preliminary investigation shows that a 2005 Honda motorcycle was rear-ended by a 2019 Hyundai Accent while both vehicles were southbound on Pere Marquette Highway. The Hyundai fled the scene after crashing into the motorcycle.”

The Hyundai was driven by 35-year-old Gatlinburg, Tennessee man, and the motorcycle was operated by a 49-year-old Ludington man.  

“Troopers and a captain from the Ludington Fire Department arrived on scene and found the motorcycle and its critically injured 49-year-old operator,” states the press release. The operator, who had not been wearing a helmet, was transported by Life EMS to Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital before being airlifted to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.“ 

As additional medical personnel were responding to the initial scene, Pere Marquette Township Fire Chief Larry Gaylord located the Hyundai on Pere Marquette Highway near Inman Road, which  was approximately a half mile from the original crash scene. “The vehicle was found stalled in the southbound travel lane with disabling damage. Deputies from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office responded to the second scene, and after conducting an on-scene investigation, the driver of the Hyundai was arrested for operating while intoxicated causing serious injury and hit and run causing serious injury.  

“Alcohol is considered to be a factor in the crash. Portions of Pere Marquette Highway were closed for  approximately three hours while the crash was investigated.

“Troopers at the scene were assisted by the Michigan State Police Drug Recognition Expert, Mason County  Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Team, Pere Marquette Charter Township Fire Department,  Ludington Fire Department, and Life EMS. The crash remains under investigation.”

Any witnesses to the crash who did not speak to police at the scene are asked to contact the  Michigan State Police, Hart post, at (231) 873-2171.

The Hyundai driver’s name is not being released pending arraignment.

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