Several members of the Charlevoix High School boys varsity golf team are in hospital after their van was involved in a car accident. The golf team's head coach, is also among the victims.
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According to a report by Detroit News, the incident occurred on April 27 in the evening at around 8:50 PM in Joyfield Township. An SUV reportedly crossed the center line on the M-115 highway. It crashed into the van carrying the golf team, injuring everyone on board. Seven students aged between 15 and 18 were inside the vehicle. Emergency Services transported the players and head coach, Doug Drenth, to a local hospital. The outlet explains that some of the victims require surgery. The driver of the SUV died from the collision.
The SUV Driver Was Wanted By Authorities Before The Accident
A report by Up North Live explains that the SUV driver was fleeing from police. The incident reportedly began when the Benzie County Sheriff's Office located the wanted vehicle. It was linked to an outstanding 'stolen vehicle and felonious assault' complaint.
Officers tried to stop the SUV, but the driver ignored their attempts and drove westbound onto M-115. The outlet explains that the SUV was on the highway for roughly 1.5 miles before crossing lanes into oncoming traffic. Deputies for the Sheriff's Office reportedly said, "Within 1.5 minutes of activating their vehicle lights, the deputies observed the wanted vehicle swerve into the eastbound lane of traffic, striking a van carrying members and coaches of the Charlevoix Public School's golf team."
Board Members of Charlevoix County Junior Golf have set up a GoFundMe to provide financial support. 'Funds will be used for medical needs of Doug Drenth and his seven players not covered by family insurance,' the fundraiser reads. The GoFundMe also says they hope to assist players on their road to recovery in the future.
In an updated post from Friday, May 2, the GoFundMe page states that five of the seven students have exited the hospital. One student was expected to leave on Friday. The coach and one other student are expecting extended stays in the Hospital.
