Two cyclists killed, 3 injured by DWI driver during Make-A-Wish ride, MI sheriff says
Two cyclists were killed and three critically injured when a vehicle struck them during a Make-A-Wish ride, according to Michigan authorities.
Five cyclists were headed southbound along a rural road in Iona, about 40 miles east of Grand Rapids, during a Make-A-Wish ride on Saturday, July 30, according to a news release from the Ionia County Sheriff Office.
An SUV heading north tried to pass another vehicle and crossed into the southbound lane, officials said.
Officials said the SUV struck the group of cyclists, causing “critical injuries” to all five Michigan men.
One cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sheriff, and the other four were rushed to nearby hospitals. A second cyclist died at the hospital.
The driver was arrested and charged with two counts of causing death by driving while intoxicated, the sheriff’s office said.
Police investigation later showed that the driver was under the influence of drugs, not alcohol, MLive reported. Officers recovered prescription bottles for benzodiazepine in the vehicle, and the driver told them about prescriptions for Adderall and Suboxone.
The cyclists were participating in the “Make a Wish Bicycle Tour,” a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish in the form of a “three day endurance ride covering most of the State of Michigan,” the release said.
The organization canceled its final day of the cycling tour, The Detroit News reported.
Make-A-Wish Michigan posted a photo of a memorial on Sunday, saying, “it is with heavy hearts we remember our riders impacted by the tragedy yesterday. Our staff and the entire Make-A-Wish family are heartbroken and offer our deepest sympathy for the riders involved, their loved ones, and all members of the Wish-A-Mile (WAM) community during this difficult time.”
Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses, according to the organization’s website.
Clarification: This article and headline were updated after new details of the driver’s intoxication were released.
This story was originally published August 1, 2022 at 4:30 PM with the headline "Two cyclists killed, 3 injured by DWI driver during Make-A-Wish ride, MI sheriff says."
