Joyfield Twp., MI - Golf Team Injured in Head-On Crash on M-115

Joyfield Twp., MI (April 30, 2025) – A head-on collision on Sunday night, April 27, left a high school golf coach and six student-athletes hospitalized after their team van was struck by a stolen vehicle in Benzie County.

The crash occurred along Michigan 115 between Wallacker Road and Arner Road in Joyfield Township, just a short distance from the entrance to Crystal Mountain Resort. The boys' varsity golf team from Charlevoix High School was returning to their hotel after the first round of a tournament when their van was hit.

According to the Benzie County Sheriff's Office, the suspect—driving a stolen Ford Escape—was being pursued by law enforcement for felony assault involving a 19-year-old woman in Antrim County. Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but the suspect fled westbound along Michigan 115. After approximately a mile and a half, the vehicle crossed the centerline and struck the school van head-on.

The 32-year-old suspect died at the scene. The head coach and six players, ages 15 to 18, were rushed to Munson Medical Center with a range of injuries. All seven remain under medical care. Authorities are continuing to investigate the sequence of events that led to the tragic crash.

We hope for a full and steady recovery for the injured coach and students.

Van Accidents in Michigan

In Michigan, passenger vans—especially those used for school and team transportation—are involved in a notable share of injury crashes each year. State data shows that when large vans are struck head-on, the risk of serious injury is significantly higher than in other types of collisions. Speed, distraction, and reckless behavior—particularly from fleeing suspects—only increase these risks.

Here are some key points about common causes behind these types of crashes:

• Fleeing or Eluding Police: Crashes during police pursuits are often high-speed and unpredictable. When a suspect chooses to flee instead of stopping, it places everyone on the road in danger. Law enforcement must balance the urgency of capturing suspects with the risks of pursuit.
• Wrong-Way Driving or Lane Departure: Crossing the centerline on a two-lane road like Michigan 115 often results in head-on impacts. These crashes are among the most fatal due to the combined speeds of both vehicles. Defensive driving and awareness help, but in cases involving erratic or fleeing drivers, avoidance may not be possible.
• Driver Fatigue or Impairment: Whether due to substances or exhaustion, impaired driving can lead to devastating consequences. Drivers may veer out of their lanes or fail to react in time, especially on winding or rural roads.
• Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: Failing brakes, worn tires, or malfunctioning systems in stolen or neglected vehicles can also contribute to serious wrecks. Drivers may lose control even without attempting to flee.
• Poor Visibility and Road Conditions: At night or in bad weather, drivers often misjudge distance or curves. This is especially dangerous in high-speed chases when suspects ignore road conditions and put others at risk.

Anyone injured in a crash should connect with a Joyfield Township car accident attorney as soon as possible. Early legal guidance ensures that vital evidence is preserved and can help identify all liable parties. From investigating the cause to dealing with insurance claims, having the right attorney makes a meaningful difference. Call our Joyfield Township van accident attorneys to protect your rights and secure the help you need.

If you or someone you love is recovering from a serious crash, the team at Christopher Trainor & Associates is here for you. With decades of experience and more than $250 million recovered for our clients, we’re proud to serve communities across Michigan. We know that no two cases are the same, so we tailor every strategy to fit the real needs of each person we represent. Our firm has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most respected personal injury teams in the state. If you need help, we want to listen. We’ll never charge you for an initial consultation, and we’ll only get paid if we win for you. Call our office today at 248-886-8650 to speak with the best auto injury attorney in Michigan.

Note: Our firm utilized outside sources when creating this post. We have not independently verified the facts regarding this accident. If you find information that is incorrect, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates immediately so that we correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available about the accident. This post can be removed upon request.  

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. The photograph used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. This post is not a solicitation for business.