Mackinack-area media reports state Schwarck, 59, was on a snowmobile photo excursion with her sister, Edith Bonno, 57 of Canton when it is believed their snowmobiles fell off the island’s rugged West Bluff road.

According to reports, the women were found dead at the scene west of the Grand Hotel.

A search was conducted for hours before the women were found. Karen’s husband, Donald, notified police when the women did not arrive home.

Donald Schwarck, is a former South Lyon city councilman and former South Lyon Community Schools teacher and track coach.

More than two years ago, the couple retired to Mackinack Island, becoming residents of the northern Michigan community.

Karen Schwark, from Mackinac Island and her sister Edith Bonno from Canton went missing last night.

Schwark’s husband called police when the women did not come back from going out and shooting photos.

They were found early this morning at the bottom of a steep hill on West Bluff Drive.

Northern Michigan’s News Leader has a crew on Mackinac Island working to bring you a full report on the deadly accident.