Tragic Crash on M-115 Claims Life of SUV Driver, Injures Charlevoix High School Golf Team: Victims Include Six Students (Ages 15-18) and Coach, With One Adult Airlifted in Critical Condition
On Sunday evening, April 27, 2025, a catastrophic accident occurred on M-115 in Joyfield Township, Michigan, involving a stolen SUV and a van transporting the Charlevoix High School golf team. The crash, which has devastated the Charlevoix community, resulted in the tragic death of the 32-year-old male SUV driver from Cedar, Michigan, and injuries to all seven occupants of the van, including six students aged 15 to 18 and one adult coach. The incident unfolded after deputies from the Benzie County Sheriff’s Office attempted to pull over the suspect, who was wanted for a series of felony crimes, including vehicle theft in Antrim County. After a short pursuit, the SUV veered into the opposite lane and collided head-on with the van carrying the golf team. The young athletes were returning from a tournament at Arcadia Bluffs South when disaster struck, forever altering the lives of the victims and their families.
Incident Overview: A Pursuit Gone Horribly Wrong
The chain of events leading up to the devastating crash began when deputies attempted to stop the stolen SUV on M-115 between Amer and Wallaker roads in Joyfield Township. According to the Benzie County Sheriff’s Office, the 32-year-old male driver, identified as the suspect from Cedar, was wanted for multiple felony charges, including a theft incident in Antrim County. When the driver refused to stop and instead fled from law enforcement officers, a high-speed pursuit ensued. The vehicle traveled westbound on M-115 for approximately 1.5 miles before crossing into the eastbound lane, where it collided head-on with a van carrying members of the Charlevoix High School golf team.
The crash was brutal and left the SUV driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, with fatal injuries. Emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes of the collision, but despite their best efforts, the SUV driver was pronounced dead.
In contrast, all seven occupants of the van—six high school students and their adult coach—suffered injuries. The coach, identified as 38-year-old Michael Jensen, was airlifted from the scene in critical condition due to the severity of his injuries. The students, aged 15 to 18, were rushed to nearby Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, with their injuries varying in severity. The group was returning from a golf tournament at Arcadia Bluffs South, a destination renowned for its scenic views and difficult course, when their lives were upended by this tragic event.
Victims: A Community in Shock
The victims of this tragic incident are now the focus of the Charlevoix community’s grief and support.
- Michael Jensen (Coach, 38 years old): The adult coach, Michael Jensen, was airlifted to Munson Medical Center after sustaining serious injuries in the crash. Jensen, who had been with Charlevoix High School for over six years, was well-loved by his players and widely respected within the community. His condition remains critical, and local residents are anxiously awaiting updates on his recovery.
- Six Students, Ages 15 to 18: The students who were aboard the van, each representing Charlevoix High School’s prestigious golf team, range in age from 15 to 18. The identities of the students have not yet been fully disclosed, but it is known that they were talented young athletes, with a shared passion for golf that brought them together. They had just participated in a challenging and exciting tournament at Arcadia Bluffs South before their tragic return home. Each student sustained varying levels of injury, but none were reported as life-threatening at this time. However, given the seriousness of the accident, several students remain in critical condition and have undergone multiple surgeries.
- SUV Driver (32-Year-Old Male): The driver of the stolen SUV, identified as a 32-year-old man from Cedar, Michigan, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Law enforcement authorities have confirmed that the individual was wanted for a series of felony offenses, including vehicle theft in Antrim County. While the suspect’s identity has been disclosed, little is known about his personal background or the circumstances leading to his flight from law enforcement. The loss of his life, while tragic, has served as a stark reminder of the dangers of fleeing from police officers and the often dire consequences of such actions.
The Road to Tragedy: A High-Speed Pursuit and Its Consequences
The series of events that culminated in the devastating crash began with a routine attempt by the Benzie County Sheriff’s Office to stop a westbound SUV on M-115. According to authorities, deputies observed the vehicle traveling on the highway and recognized it as a stolen vehicle. Attempts to stop the driver were unsuccessful as the suspect fled the scene, triggering a brief but intense high-speed chase.
The driver continued westbound, eventually crossing into the eastbound lane. Tragically, just moments after the SUV veered into oncoming traffic, it collided head-on with the van carrying the Charlevoix High School golf team. Witnesses to the crash described the scene as “unbelievable” and “horrific,” with many immediately calling 911 to report the collision and summon emergency medical services.
The immediate response involved multiple fire departments, EMS units, and the Mobile Medical Response team, all of whom worked tirelessly to extricate the victims from the wreckage. While the driver of the stolen SUV was killed instantly in the crash, the remaining victims were alive but severely injured. The students and coach, who had been traveling together in a large passenger van, were carefully removed from the vehicle and transported to the hospital. Their injuries ranged from broken bones and internal injuries to lacerations and bruises, with several students undergoing surgeries to stabilize their conditions.
Community Response: Grief and Support for the Victims
As news of the crash spread throughout Charlevoix and beyond, the community was struck with a deep sense of loss and disbelief. Charlevoix High School, the victims’ families, and local officials have expressed profound grief over the incident, and efforts to support the injured have been quickly organized.
The Charlevoix Public Schools district, in partnership with local mental health agencies, has provided counseling services to students, faculty, and families affected by the crash. These resources have been critical in helping the community begin the difficult healing process. Grief counselors are available to help both the families of the injured students and the broader Charlevoix community process the shock and trauma resulting from this catastrophic event.
Local businesses have also rallied to support the victims, with fundraising efforts aimed at covering medical bills, travel expenses, and other unforeseen costs related to the recovery of the injured. Social media campaigns and GoFundMe pages have been launched in support of the families, with many members of the community offering their thoughts and prayers.
Local residents have described the Charlevoix High School golf team as a tight-knit group, often seen practicing together after school and supporting each other through both victories and defeats. The bond between the students and their coach, Michael Jensen, was a strong one, and the entire community has united to offer their love and support during this difficult time.
The Investigation: What Led to the Crash?
The investigation into the fatal crash is being conducted by the Michigan State Police Traverse City Post, in accordance with standard protocol for incidents involving the Benzie County Sheriff’s Office. The authorities are currently piecing together the events that led to the collision, including the suspect’s history of criminal activity and whether other factors contributed to the crash.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect may have been attempting to evade capture due to his outstanding felony warrants. Authorities are reviewing the moments leading up to the crash, as well as examining the wreckage of both vehicles involved, to determine whether speed, impairment, or other factors played a role in the tragic outcome.
As part of the investigation, law enforcement is also looking into the possibility of any connection between the stolen SUV and other criminal activity in the area. While the suspect’s criminal history is known to include vehicle theft, further details about his background remain scarce at this time. It is expected that additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.
A Heartbreaking Reminder: The Unpredictable Nature of Life
This devastating incident underscores the unpredictable nature of life, reminding all of us how quickly a normal evening can take a tragic turn. The Charlevoix community, while reeling from the loss and injury of its beloved students and coach, has shown incredible resilience in the face of this disaster. The support offered to the victims, both immediate and ongoing, will be essential in the healing process.
In the wake of this horrific event, many have expressed a renewed commitment to supporting those in need, both within the Charlevoix community and beyond. Whether through donations, counseling services, or simply offering a kind word, people have come together to make sure that the victims and their families do not face this hardship alone.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As the investigation continues and the victims begin their long road to recovery, the Charlevoix community stands united in grief but also in strength. The tragedy of April 27, 2025, will forever be etched into the memories of those who lived through it, but the community’s unwavering support for the victims will serve as a beacon of hope in the midst of this unspeakable sorrow. Our thoughts remain with the injured students, Coach Michael Jensen, and all who have been impacted by this senseless loss.
