Woman Dies In Oakland Co. Crash One Day After Husband's Ice-Fishing Accident: Police

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP, MI — A 66-year-old Livonia woman died in an Oakland County crash Friday less than 24 hours after her husband's ice fishing accident, according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.

The crash happened at 1:53 p.m. Friday on Rochester Road and Beach Drive in Oakland Township, according to police.

The woman was a back seat passenger in a 2021 Jeep Cherokee when a 2011 Ford Edge crossed over the centerline on Rochester Road and slammed into the Jeep head-on, according to police.

The woman was killed in the crash, while the driver of the Jeep, a Clarkston man and his wife, both age 62, were taken to a nearby hospital, according to police.

The man was listed in stable condition, while his wife was listed in critical condition, according to police.

The driver of the Ford was also taken to a nearby hospital by Airlift Flight Service and was listed in stable condition, according to police.

Officials do not know why the Ford crossed over the centerline. They do not believe alcohol played a role in the crash.

Officials believe the Livonia woman was traveling to pick up her husband’s vehicle after he was taken to a hospital and listed in critical condition after an ice-fishing accident a day prior, according to police.

That incident happened last Thursday at 1:45 p.m. on Lake George in Addison Township, according to police.

Officials said the 66-year-old man, along with his grandson of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, were drilling a hole into the ice on the lake when the ice gave away.

The 15-year-old boy called 911 and tried to pull his grandfather out of the water, but more ice gave away and the boy fell into the water as well, according to police.

A quick-thinking neighbor rescued the boy and helped keep the man above water until more help arrived, according to police.

The Livonia man was taken to a nearby hospital where he was listed in critical condition, according to officials.

The 15-year-old boy was also taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated and released, according to officials.

Neither the grandson nor grandfather were wearing life jackets. Officials do not believe alcohol was a factor in the incident.

"This is an unspeakable tragedy that has befallen this family in a very short time," Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. "Two tragic and unrelated incidents happen within 24 hours of each other. It’s hard to wrap your hands around it. Our prayers are with the family."