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.

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