Tragedy on M-28: Wakefield Man Killed, Minnesota Couple Injured in Devastating Ontonagon County Crash

BERGLAND TOWNSHIP, MI – A devastating head-on collision along Michigan’s scenic but often dangerous M-28 highway has left one man dead and a visiting couple from Minnesota seriously injured, shaking the small, tight-knit communities of Ontonagon County and beyond. The tragic crash occurred in the early afternoon of Saturday, June 14, 2025, just outside Timberline Rentals in Bergland Township. Authorities confirmed that the 81-year-old victim, a longtime resident of Wakefield, lost his life in the collision, while the visiting couple remains hospitalized with serious injuries.

The incident has not only prompted a full-scale investigation by local and state authorities but has also cast a long shadow over a region known for its natural beauty, quiet living, and strong community bonds.

A Routine Drive Turns Tragic

According to preliminary reports released by the Michigan State Police Eighth District and the Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Department, the fatal collision unfolded just after 1:30 p.m. on a sunny summer day, when the roads were busy with both local traffic and seasonal visitors.

Authorities say the 81-year-old man was driving eastbound on M-28 in a sedan when he attempted to make a left-hand turn into a private driveway near Timberline Rentals. In doing so, he crossed into the path of an oncoming westbound vehicle — a sport utility vehicle driven by a couple visiting the area from Minnesota. The SUV had no time to avoid the sudden turn, resulting in a violent head-on impact that shattered the front ends of both vehicles.

Emergency crews from multiple agencies, including the United States Forest Service, Michigan State Police Wakefield Post, and local fire and EMS departments, rushed to the scene. Despite their rapid arrival and efforts to stabilize the victims, the Wakefield man was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.

The two Minnesota visitors, who were traveling westbound and had been planning a weekend getaway in the Upper Peninsula, were extricated from their vehicle with assistance from firefighters using hydraulic rescue tools. They were quickly airlifted to a regional trauma center in Marquette with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Their current condition remains stable, according to hospital sources.

A Beloved Member of the Wakefield Community

The passing of the elderly Wakefield resident has sent ripples of grief through his hometown. Known by neighbors and longtime friends as a kind, humble, and soft-spoken man, he was someone who had lived in the community for most of his life. Having retired from the local paper mill years ago, he spent his days gardening, walking along familiar routes, and volunteering at his local church.

He was a widower who had found comfort in routine — driving down M-28 for groceries or to visit his children, attending community breakfasts, and staying connected to friends through morning coffee meetups. His neighbors described him as someone who would never hesitate to offer help — whether it was clearing snow from a neighbor’s driveway in winter or offering fresh vegetables from his garden in summer.

“He was just a good soul,” one longtime neighbor shared tearfully. “One of those people who never needed recognition but quietly made this place better.”

The Visiting Couple: A Getaway Marred by Tragedy

The Minnesota couple involved in the crash had reportedly been vacationing in the Upper Peninsula to enjoy its lakes, forests, and trails. According to statements from friends shared on social media, the two had been planning the trip for months and were looking forward to hiking, birdwatching, and experiencing the slower pace of life northern Michigan offers.

They were driving along M-28, taking in the views on what was meant to be a peaceful Saturday, when the crash occurred.

Family members have since traveled from Minnesota to be by their side at the hospital. In a statement released late Sunday, relatives expressed gratitude for the support of first responders and local residents, while also asking for continued prayers as the couple recovers from both physical and emotional trauma.

“This was supposed to be a peaceful escape, and now it’s something none of us will ever forget,” said a cousin of the couple. “But we’re grateful they’re alive and surrounded by such caring people.”

A Dangerous Stretch of Road

M-28, a key east-west corridor across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is known both for its beauty and for the hazards it presents — especially on curves and rural intersections. While traffic is usually light, the road becomes busier in the summer months as vacationers and RVs share lanes with locals.

The intersection near Timberline Rentals, while not known as a high-accident zone, is one where visibility and driver timing are crucial — especially when turning left against oncoming traffic on a two-lane highway.

Authorities say this tragedy highlights the risks associated with rural roadways, particularly among older drivers whose reflexes and decision-making abilities may be impacted by age-related challenges.

“This is a deeply unfortunate reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike, even on familiar roads in broad daylight,” said an MSP spokesperson. “We urge all drivers, especially elderly individuals, to be extra cautious at intersections and to consider alternate routes if possible.”

Community Response and Reflection

In the aftermath of the crash, the Wakefield and Bergland Township communities have rallied around the victim’s family and the injured couple. Local churches held vigils over the weekend, with candles lit and prayers offered for healing, peace, and comfort.

Neighbors have come together to deliver meals to the family of the deceased, while residents have left flowers and notes near the site of the crash in tribute. A handmade wooden cross has since appeared at the intersection — a solemn reminder of how one tragic moment can alter lives forever.

“This is a small town — we all feel it,” said a local resident who stopped at the site with her grandchildren. “That could’ve been any one of us.”

An Ongoing Investigation

As of Monday morning, the Michigan State Police Wakefield Post continues to lead the investigation. Authorities are reviewing dash cam footage from responding vehicles and gathering witness statements to determine the exact sequence of events.

Preliminary reports suggest no drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash, and both vehicles appeared to be in working condition prior to the collision. Investigators are focusing on whether driver misjudgment or distraction played a role.

Though no criminal charges are expected given the nature of the accident, the findings will be shared with the Ontonagon County Prosecutor’s Office for formal review — a standard procedure in fatal incidents.

“We want to ensure we understand exactly what happened, not just for legal reasons, but to bring closure to the families involved,” said a sheriff’s deputy on the scene.

Honoring a Life and Hoping for Recovery

For the people of Wakefield, Saturday’s loss feels deeply personal. The man who died was more than a crash statistic — he was someone whose quiet presence had left a lasting impact. In the coming days, friends and family are expected to gather for a memorial service celebrating his life, values, and legacy.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota couple’s family continues to update loved ones on their recovery. Though their journey will likely include surgeries, physical therapy, and emotional healing, their survival is seen as a small light amid the heartbreak.

“This tragedy could’ve taken even more lives,” one hospital nurse commented. “But these two have a second chance — and they’re surrounded by love.”

A Broader Lesson for Drivers

As the investigation proceeds and the community mourns, local officials and safety advocates are using this moment to urge drivers to slow down, remain alert, and think twice before making turns on highways.

Whether a driver is a seasoned local or a tourist unfamiliar with the area, the risks remain the same: a split-second decision can lead to lifelong consequences.

“We can’t change what’s happened,” said a state trooper solemnly. “But we can learn from it — and maybe, just maybe, prevent the next tragedy.”

Final Thoughts

The collision near Timberline Rentals on June 14 is more than just a heartbreaking news story. It is a painful reminder of the fragile threads that connect all human lives. One man is gone, leaving behind decades of love and memories. Two others are fighting to heal from injuries and grief. And an entire region is once again reminded of the unpredictability of life and the deep value of every moment behind the wheel.

As flowers wilt by the roadside and traffic resumes along M-28, the memory of that tragic afternoon will remain — etched not only in the hearts of the grieving but in the hopes that such sorrow might never have to be repeated.