Updated information on Scottville Road crash

August 9, 2024

The following is updated information on a two vehicle crash that occurred on Scottville Road Thursday morning. 

CUSTER TOWNSHIP — Four people were injured Thursday morning in a two-vehicle crash on Scottville Road north of Conrad Road. The crash involved a Ford Expedition SUV and a Ford F-150 pickup truck that was towing a pontoon boat.

According to Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole, the Expedition had one occupant, a 16-year-old driver from Scottville, and the F-150 pickup contained three total occupants, Carl Stopczynski, 61, of Pentwater, the driver, Melinda Gocza Stopczynski, 67 of North Liberty, Ind., and Ashley Stopczynski, 33 of Chicago.

All four persons were injured and were transported to Corewell Health Ludington Hospital by Life EMS. The three occupants of the F-150 were then flown by helicopter to a Grand Rapids trauma center where they were being treated for serious injuries. The driver of the Expedition also received serious injuries, according to Cole.

According to Sheriff Cole, the preliminary report from MCSO crash investigators indicates a 2024 Ford Expedition, driver by the 16 year-old, crossed the centerline while traveling southbound on Scottville Road and into the path of the 2013 Ford F-150 pickup truck.  The two vehicles collided head-on.

Neither alcohol, drugs, nor distracted driving appear to have played any role in the crash.  The juvenile’s cell phone was secured at the scene and showed no activity prior to the crash.

Emergency crews that responded included Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Scottville Fire Department, Custer Fire Department, and Life EMS.

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