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Two people are dead and several others are hurt after a two-car crash Friday afternoon near Gwinn.
According to Forsyth Township police chief Brian Kjellin, a head-on collision on Jan. 17 resulted in the deaths of both drivers involved in the crash.
Kjellin said the crash happened around 3:45 p.m. at the intersection of M-35 and Froney Drive, near Little Lake Michigan
After being alerted to the crash, the Forsyth Township Police Department and several area first responders arrived at the scene to find both drivers deceased.
The victims were identified as a 21-year-old man from Negaunee and a 37-year-old resident of Gwinn. Their names are being withheld pending notification of family members.
In addition to the fatalities, three juveniles aged 14 to 15, who were passengers in one of the vehicles, sustained significant injuries.
They were transported to UP Health Systems Marquette, and two of the juveniles were later flown to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
According to a press release from the Forsyth Township Police Department, as of 9 p.m. on the day of the accident, all three teens were reported to be in stable condition.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Michigan State Police and the MSP Crash Investigation Unit.
Several agencies, including Forsyth Township Fire & EMS, Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, and Heavy Hooker Towing, assisted at the scene.
On Saturday morning, the Superintendent of Gwinn Area Community Schools, Sara Croney, sent a letter to parents to notify them that the teens and one of the drivers were members of the GACS community.
“A devastating car accident has claimed the life of a beloved parent and left three of our 9th grade boys injured. Two have been airlifted to Milwaukee for care, one remains in Marquette. Thankfully, we have been informed that the students are now in stable condition,” said Croney.
Croney urged the school community to stand together in support of the family and avoid circulation of rumors.
The superintendent also said counselors and support staff will be available at Gwinn Middle/High School beginning Monday at 8 a.m. to provide comfort and assistance to students, staff or family in need.
“As we navigate this difficult time, let us come together to honor the memory of the parent we have lost and support the recovery of our students. We will continue to share updates as appropriate and encourage you to reach out if you have concerns or need support,” said Croney.
Further updates will be provided as we learn more.