Traverse City News and Events

Elderly Couple Identified As Victims Of Leelanau Crash

By Beth Milligan | July 9, 2019

An elderly couple from Leelanau County have been identified as the victims of a fatal car crash that occurred Friday in Solon Township.

Jerry Burkhardt and Lucy Burkhardt, both 79, were killed in the two-car accident that took place early Friday afternoon at the intersection of South Cedar Road (Co. Rd. 651) and M-72. According to the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office, the Burkhardts were driving north on South Cedar Road and stopped for the intersection with M-72. They then moved forward into the intersection and were struck by a westbound Rider Rental truck driven by an 80-year-old Kaleva, Michigan man, who collided with the passenger side of the vehicle.

Responders to the scene found the couple's vehicle on its side with the occupants severely injured inside. The rental truck was also at the scene and had extensive front-end damage. Both Jerry and Lucy Burkhardt were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The driver of the other vehicle received minor injuries in the crash.

According to the Sheriff's Office, there is no indication that either drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident, and all vehicle occupants used proper shoulder and lap belts. The accident remains under investigation.

Comment

Workforce Housing Projects on Deck

Read More >>

Meet the 2024 Candidates: County Commissioners, More File for Office

Read More >>

NMC Board Approves Benzie Annexation Plan, Voters to Decide

Read More >>

GT Parks & Rec to Host Paddling Film Festival Thursday

Read More >>

Crime Victims' Support Walk Tuesday

Read More >>

Now Hiring! Spring & Summer 2024 Jobs

Read More >>

With TIF Vote Delayed Again, DDA Focuses on Immediate Future of Downtown

Read More >>

Interlochen Raises The Bar For Edmonia

Read More >>

TIF Plan Back for DDA Vote

Read More >>

Potential $11-$16 Million LaFranier Expansion On County's Agenda

Read More >>

Record Store Day, Midnight Release Parties, And Taylor Swift: Traverse City's Growing Vinyl Culture

Read More >>

Outside the Box: New Study Shows Economic Growth, Opportunities for Outdoor Recreation Market

Read More >>

Ransomware Group Claims Credit for TCAPS Attack

Read More >>

Final Improvement Work Coming to Slabtown Streets

Read More >>