It happened during the Make-A-Wish Michigan 35th Annual Wish-A-Mile (WAM) Bicycle Tour. Police tell us it happened around 11am. in the 3000 block of Stage Road in Ronald Township Investigators say the five bicyclists were heading south on Stage Road when they were hit by a northbound SUV that crossed the center line trying to pass another vehicle. One bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, while another was transported by AeroMed to a Grand Rapids hospital before succumbing to his injuries. The three cyclists who survived the crash are being treated in hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the SUV was arrested on two counts of operating while intoxicated causing death. After being referred by the media, they are now being held in the Ionia County Jail. The five cyclists, who are all male, are not being named at this time pending family notification. The identity of the driver has also not been released pending formal charges and prosecution. “It is with deep sadness that we share that a tragic accident occurred today in lonia County involving bicyclists participating in the Make-A-Wish® Michigan 35th Annual Wish-A-Mile® (WAM) Bike Ride,” Make-A-Wish Michigan said. in a statement about the crash. “Two riders were killed and three were injured when they were struck by a car. Our staff and the entire Make-A-Wish family are devastated and extend our deepest sympathies to the riders involved, their loved ones and all members of the WAM community during during this difficult time. We are grateful to the first responders who arrived immediately to save lives. We are supporting our riders, staff and volunteers with grief counseling and assistance with the law enforcement investigation. The third day of WAM 300 as well as the one-day WAM 50 and WAM Jr. scheduled for Sunday July 31 have been canceled out of respect for the family.”
