WXMI Fox 17 reports that the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office said several bicyclists were hit. One male participant was pronounced dead at the scene and another was taken to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. Sheriff’s deputies responded around 11:15 a.m. on Stage Road, north of East Nickleplate Road. Ionia County Central Dispatch issued a statement about the road closure shortly after the announcement: “Please avoid the Stage Rd area north of Nickleplate Rd due to a critical incident. The road will be closed for an undetermined amount of time. Will update when it reopens.” The road was reopened around 4:30 Saturday afternoon. Police say an SUV crossed the center line of Stage Road into oncoming traffic while trying to pass another vehicle. Three cyclists were taken to hospital with serious injuries. According to the Sheriff’s Department, the driver of the SUV was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated causing death. He was taken to jail after receiving medical treatment. The cyclists participated in the Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour, the largest Make-A-Wish fundraising event in the state of Michigan, which began in 1987 as a 300-mile ride from Canton to Mackinac. The names of the driver and victims are being withheld by police pending a statement and notification of family members. More from MLive: Biden won’t travel to Michigan after testing positive for ‘recovery’ of COVID-19 When will a micron vaccine for COVID be available? The primary is just days away, here’s what voters need to know: The week in Michigan politics Former President Donald Trump endorses Tudor Dixon for governor
