Funeral arrangements were announced today for two snowmobilers killed in a head-on crash Sunday night on frozen White Lake and a hospital system announced it would hold a snowmobile safety class in Clarkston.
Pontiac-based POH Regional Medical Center announced a two-part snowmobile safety course Jan 11 and 13 “in the wake of six recent deaths due to snowmobile accidents,” according to a press release.
Since Dec. 11, nine Michiganders have died in snowmobile crashes, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. That includes Sunday’s accident, in which investigators said two men died instantly after one rode through the darkness, escorted closely by a friend because his headlight was out, but nonetheless was struck by yet another friend on a third snow machine.
Services for Joseph Michael Richman, 21, of Milford, are set for Lynch & Sons funeral home, 408 E. Liberty, Milford. Visitation is 2-9 p.m. Wednesday with a vigil service at 7 p.m. The funeral service is 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 955 E. Commerce Rd., Milford.
Services for Casey James Leavenworth, 20, of Highland Township, are to be at Elton Black & Son chapel, 3295 E. Highland Rd., Highland Township. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, 1-8 p.m. Thursday with a family reflection service at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The funeral is at 1 p.m. Friday at the chapel.
Next week’s safety course had been scheduled before Sunday’s crash, “but we thought we should promote it more due to the local accident,” POH Regional Medical Center community education coordinator Marie Bristow said today. The hospital system has offered the class since the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office dropped it last year due to budget cuts, she said.
The $20 course, for three hours on each of two nights, is required in Michigan for individuals ages 12-16 who wish to operate a snowmobile without an adult. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children.
Follow Us