Man Charged in Fatal Otsego County Crash

Saranac resident faces multiple charges for September 2025 collision that killed one and injured three others.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A 70-year-old Saranac, Michigan man has been charged with multiple counts, including operating while intoxicated causing death and reckless driving causing death, in connection with a September 2025 crash in Elmira Township, Michigan that killed a 76-year-old woman and injured three other people.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of impaired driving and the devastating consequences it can have on local communities. The charges also include a concealed weapon violation, raising further questions about public safety.

The details

According to Michigan State Police, the 70-year-old man was driving a Ford SUV eastbound on Michigan Highway 32 when he crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a Dodge pickup truck. Four people were in the truck, including two 76-year-old women in the back and a 79-year-old man in the front. One of the 76-year-old women later died from her injuries on November 3, 2025. The driver of the truck, a 78-year-old man, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The 70-year-old man was also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and police found and seized a handgun from his vehicle, as he did not have a concealed pistol license.

  • The crash occurred on the afternoon of September 20, 2025.
  • One of the 76-year-old women died on November 3, 2025 due to injuries from the crash.
  • The 70-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, February 14, 2026.

The players

70-year-old Saranac man

The driver of the Ford SUV who is charged with multiple counts, including operating while intoxicated causing death and reckless driving causing death, as well as a concealed weapon violation.

76-year-old woman

One of the passengers in the Dodge pickup truck who died on November 3, 2025 due to injuries from the crash.

78-year-old man

The driver of the Dodge pickup truck who was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

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What’s next

The 70-year-old man's next court appearance is scheduled for February 19, 2026, where a judge will determine if he will be allowed out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic crash underscores the urgent need for increased education, enforcement, and public awareness around the dangers of impaired driving in order to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring in the future and protect vulnerable road users.