Driver in deadly US 10-31 crash criminally charged 

Martinsen

Driver in deadly US 10-31 crash criminally charged 

LUDINGTON — The driver involved in a deadly crash on US 10-31 in Amber Township last October — Zachary Scott Martinsen, 29, of Ludington — has been arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court on a 10-year felony of reckless driving causing death, according to Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole.

Kathy Ann Owens, 70, of Shelby died in the crash.

Martinsen has been released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond, said Sheriff Cole.

“The Mason County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Crash Team concluded Mr. Martinsen’s 2012 Chevy Silverado was traveling at a high rate of speed when it collided with a 2013 Ford Fusion, which was driven by Kathy Ann Owens, 70 of Shelby. Crash team reconstructionists were able to gather security video evidence along with the Event Data Recorder (EDR) and roadway evidence, which all confirmed Mr. Martinsen’s vehicle was at excessive speed prior to, and up to the point of impact,” said Cole.

Kathy Owens

Owens was eastbound on US 10-31 when she attempted to make a left turn into the Watson’s Chrysler dealership parking lot, just west of Dennis Road, turning into the path of the westbound pickup driven by Martinsen, stated Cole. Her vehicle then left the roadway and struck two parked vehicles on display in the dealership lot.

Owens was pronounced dead on the scene. Martinsen received minor injuries. Deputies on scene said Owens’s husband was on scene, driving a separate vehicle that was scheduled for service at the dealership.

Owens was a retired emergency room nurse. She was survived by her husband, Tom Owens, along with son Kurt (Jennifer Owens); daughter Rose (Mike) Guilez; grandson, Ty Guilez; and siblings, Reta Curry, Dan Gunderson, Mary Thompson, and Diane Acree.

Martinsen is scheduled to appear in 79th District Court for a preliminary examination at 1:30 p.m. on March 1, 2023.

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