04/02/2007

News in brief

Woman, 22, killed in Benzie County crash

FROM STAFF REPORTS

BENZONIA — A local woman was killed when the vehicle she was riding in left the roadway and hit a utility pole.

Benzie County sheriff's deputies arrested a 23-year-old Benzie County man on suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, causing death and serious injury following the crash just after 2 a.m. Sunday. Investigators said the vehicle was traveling east on River Road just west of Adams Road in Crystal Lake Township when it went off the road and struck the power pole before rolling over.

Nichole Smith, 22, of Traverse City died from injuries suffered in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another passenger, Daniel Fox, was taken to Munson Medical Center and was listed in fair condition Sunday night. A third passenger was taken to Munson with minor injuries and a fourth passenger was treated at the scene.

The driver was not hurt. His name was withheld pending his arraignment and sheriff's officials were scheduled to release more information at a news conference this morning.