It was a very sad day here on the Island yesterday as the news spread about the accident. Anna Rieker is the granddaughter of Sharon Nix Cole. Please keep all involved in your thoughts and prayers, and if possible, help out monetarily.
BEAVER ISLAND â?? On Sunday, July 22, in St. James Township on Beaver Island, a 16-year-old Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, girl died in a rollover crash, according to a Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office news release.
Officials with the sheriff's office and Beaver Island EMS and fire responded to the crash on Gull Harbor Drive about 10:50 p.m.
Initial reports indicated that the passenger of the vehicle, Thandiwe Elizabeth Baton-Stawson, was unconscious. But upon arrival, emergency responders determined she had died as a result of the crash.
The driver, Anna Rieker, 16, also of Pittsburgh, was airlifted to Harbor Springs Airport by the United States Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City helicopter and was further transported to McLaren Northern Michigan. Today, Tuesday, the hospital confirmed Rieker had been treated and released.
Both girls were visitors to the island.
"Initial reports indicated that Rieker may have swerved to avoid hitting a deer," the release states. "At this time, the accident remains under investigation by the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office accident re-constructionist."
Charlevoix County Sheriff Don Schneider told the News-Review on Monday that he can't remember the last time there was a fatal automobile crash on the island.
Yvonne Crandall, Beaver Island resident and vice president of the auxiliary fire department, said the auxiliary fire department has donated $1,250 to Thandiwe's family to help with funeral costs. And Mary Scholl, owner of the Beaver Island Toy Museum, has also made a donation, Crandall said.
Crandall asked anyone who would like to donate to call the Smith Funeral Home & Crematory, at (412) 828-5700.
Fatal Car Crash on Beaver Island
Moderator: Gillespie
-
Marie LaFreniere
- Posts: 1163
- Joined: Sat Feb 05, 2005 1:15 pm
- Location: Beaver Island
-
Marie LaFreniere
- Posts: 1163
- Joined: Sat Feb 05, 2005 1:15 pm
- Location: Beaver Island
I just spoke with Yvonne, the money needed is to transport Thandiwe's body back to Pennsylvania from Charlevoix. This is a very sad situation, please do whatever you can to help.
I also just spoke with the funeral home. They are not accepting debit/ credit cards, but you may write a check directly to Thandiwe's mother, Tracey Baton and mail to:
Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory
930 Center Ave
Pittsburgh PA 15238
I also just spoke with the funeral home. They are not accepting debit/ credit cards, but you may write a check directly to Thandiwe's mother, Tracey Baton and mail to:
Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory
930 Center Ave
Pittsburgh PA 15238
-
Marie LaFreniere
- Posts: 1163
- Joined: Sat Feb 05, 2005 1:15 pm
- Location: Beaver Island