|
| |
|
|
|
July 20, 2005Four-car accident at Chum's Corner claims doctorVehicle was pushed into path of semiByRecord-Eagle staff writer TRAVERSE CITY - A West Michigan doctor is dead and his wife in serious condition after their vehicle was hit broadside by a semi-truck during a four-car accident in a construction zone near Chum's Corner. Dr. David Hoerle, 40, of Ada, was killed just before 4 p.m. Monday after his Toyota van was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by Travis Hermatz, 17, of Henrietta. Grand Traverse County Sheriff Scott Fewins said the collision forced Hoerle's vehicle - passenger-side out - into the oncoming path of a semi-truck traveling southbound on M-37 near Hamlin Road. Hoerle was pronounced dead at the accident scene. His wife, Amy, was taken to Munson Medical Center, where she is listed in serious condition. Hoerle was a specialist in emergency medicine who served as medical director of emergency services at Zeeland Community Hospital since September 2003, according to statement released by the hospital Tuesday. The Hoerles' three children were not traveling with them at the time of the accident. Fewins said Hoerle, who was driving the vehicle, was stopped in an "extended" line of northbound traffic halted for road construction when he was hit from behind by Hermatz's Dodge Intrepid. Fewins said Hoerle's vehicle was pushed into the path of a semi-truck driven by Chad Bond, 23, of Montague, which was hauling cherries. Neither Hermatz or Bond were injured in the accident, Fewins said. Investigators are still reviewing the accident and will forward their report to the county prosecutor's office to determine whether criminal charges should be filed against Hermatz. Investigators don't believe alcohol to be a factor, he said.
|
|