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Authorities are asking for the public’s help in their investigation of a fatal car crash on Tuesday, July 2nd.
Killed in the single-car crash was 81-year-old James Christner, of Houghton. Christner was the passenger in an SUV that rolled over after the driver lost control along US-41 near #4 Road at Centennial. State Police troopers said Christner was not wearing his seat belt, and was thrown from the vehicle.
The driver, 72-year-old Arthur Oikarinen of Houghton, was wearing his seat belt, and suffered only minor injuries.
The Houghton County Sheriff’s Department is trying to track down a newer black truck that was seen near the crash. The truck was southbound on US-41, and eventually turned off the highway on to Rockland Street in Calumet Township. If you know anything about the truck or its driver, call the Sheriff’s Department at 482-0055.
Investigators said that neither alcohol nor drugs appeared to have played a role in the crash. The police investigation continues, and a report will be filed with the Houghton County Prosecutor’s Office for further review of the case.
Note: the original press release from the Michigan State Police identified the driver as being 65 years old, and the passenger as being 77 years old.
