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An accident Thursday morning in Baraga County has left one person dead and another critically injured. The accident happened at the southern end of Keweenaw Bay on US-41.
Baraga Sheriff Deputies were sent out at 5:51 Thursday morning to a head on crash. James Turriff, 31, of L’Anse was headed north on 41 in his 2006 Nissan van when he struck south-bound traveler Lisa Zasadnyj, 37 of L’Anse, in her 2012 Toyota SUV.
Zasadnyj was transported from the scene by Bay Ambulance and taken to Baraga County Memorial Hospital for treatment. Turriff was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Michigan Department of Transportation closed US-41 between the Plains Road and Menge Creek Road. Numerous other spinouts and stuck vehicles were also reported in the area due to slippery roads. 41 remained closed till 9:50 when one lane was opened, both lanes returned to traffic at approximately 10:50.
L’Anse and Baraga Schools were able to open on time but L’Anse students who rode the Alston bus were held at Baraga school until the road reopened.
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community reported that the closure might have delayed the opening of some programs and offices.
Assisting were officers from the Michigan State Police, Baraga Village Police, along with L’Anse and Baraga Fire Departments.
The crash remains under investigation.
