Wellston, MI - 12-Year-Old Girl Dies After ORV Crash on Spruce St

Wellston, MI (May 20, 2025) – A heartbreaking incident unfolded on the afternoon of May 18 when a young girl lost her life following an off-road vehicle accident in Manistee County.

Michigan State Police based in Cadillac responded to the crash around 1:30 p.m. in the area of Spruce Street and Second Street in Wellston. Authorities say the 12-year-old driver had been traveling west along Second Street when she attempted to turn south onto Spruce Street. During the turn, the off-road vehicle veered off the roadway and rolled over on private property.

The young girl was pronounced dead at the scene. A 14-year-old passenger from Irons suffered serious injuries in the crash. Emergency personnel from the Norman Township Fire Department and Mobile Medical Response arrived to provide care, and the injured passenger was transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

According to the Michigan State Police, alcohol and drugs are not suspected to have played a role in this incident. Investigators are continuing to look into what may have contributed to the crash.

We offer our sincere sympathies to the family of the deceased victim.

Car Accidents in Michigan

Off-road and motor vehicle accidents occur all too frequently in Michigan, claiming lives and leaving others with serious injuries. In 2023 alone, Michigan saw over 282,000 reported crashes, according to state transportation data. Sadly, these incidents led to thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities. Here in Michigan, safety officials continue to stress the importance of responsible driving, helmet use for ORVs, and following speed regulations on all types of terrain.

When accidents do occur, they often leave families struggling with numerous physical and emotional challenges. Below are some common injuries that victims may experience in serious crashes:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Sudden jolts or impact to the head during an ORV or car crash can cause TBIs. These injuries may lead to lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional difficulties. Some individuals require years of therapy or may never fully recover.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal damage can result in partial or full paralysis. Recovery involves extensive medical care and can dramatically alter someone’s daily life and independence.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a vehicle rolling or crashing often leads to broken bones. These injuries can range from minor fractures to complex breaks requiring surgical intervention.
• Internal Injuries: Trauma to the chest or abdomen may not always be immediately obvious. Damage to organs or internal bleeding poses serious risks and requires immediate medical attention.

If you or someone you care about has been involved in an accident, it’s important to reach out to a wrongful death attorney without delay. Legal help can ensure that your rights are protected and that you are not left to handle insurance or liability issues alone. Our Wellston car accident attorneys at Christopher Trainor & Associates are ready to stand by your side, review your case, and guide you through what comes next.

At Christopher Trainor & Associates, we offer free consultations to those in need of strong legal representation. With decades of experience representing victims across Michigan, we’ve earned over $250 million in verdicts and settlements. Our firm takes pride in truly listening to each client and shaping a strategy that meets their individual needs. Whether you’re dealing with a serious accident or looking for the best auto injury attorney, we’re here to help. We don’t treat cases as numbers—each story matters. Trust us to fight for what’s right; you’re not alone in this. Call our team at (248) 886-8650 to get started today.

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.