Accident – Death – Obituary News : REED CITY — Months after the tragic death of Pete Mimnaugh in a car crash involving a Blue Lakes charter bus, his family is still seeking answers and closure. The 65-year-old Mimnaugh was killed on Oct. 27, 2023, when his Buick Enclave was struck by the bus carrying Traverse City West High School cross country runners on M-115 in Middle Branch Township.
The crash report indicated that Mimnaugh’s car sustained “disabling damage,” and he was pronounced dead at the scene before being transported to the hospital. Mimnaugh, who worked as a courier, had been saving up money to attend his daughter’s wedding in Hawaii, which was scheduled three months after his untimely death.
Despite his active involvement in the community, Mimnaugh was not named in any of the local news coverage of the crash, leaving his family and friends surprised and confused. His son, Dan, and daughter-in-law, Stevie Brooks, expressed their dismay over the lack of information and investigation following the fatal accident.
Described as a dedicated volunteer and a passionate gardener, Mimnaugh was known for his love of flowers, hunting, fishing, and helping others. He was also actively involved in local chapters of Narcotics Anonymous, where he mentored individuals struggling with substance use disorder.
Following his passing, the Mimnaugh family organized a memorial service, which was attended by a large number of community members and NA groups. However, the family was further distressed by a recent policy change by the Michigan State Police, which no longer releases the names of deceased individuals involved in accidents.
The state police defended the new policy as a measure to protect the privacy of the victims and treat everyone with dignity and respect. However, for the Mimnaughs, the lack of acknowledgment of Pete’s identity in media reports has made the grieving process even more challenging.
Struggling to come to terms with their loss, the Mimnaughs find solace in honoring Pete’s memory through their shared recollections and memories. Despite the difficulties they face in coping with his absence, they remain determined to keep his legacy alive and continue the work he was passionate about.
As the family and community mourn the loss of a beloved father, grandfather, and community member, they reflect on the impact Pete Mimnaugh had on those around him and the lasting impression he left on all who knew him.
Tragic Accident Involving Blue Lakes Charters Driver
In a devastating turn of events, a fatal crash involving a Blue Lakes Charters driver has left a community in mourning. The incident occurred at an intersection in Osceola County, Michigan, where the driver, Barry Mazurek, became distracted while checking his phone’s GPS coordinates for directions.
Police Report and Criminal Charges
According to the police report, Mazurek’s careless driving led to the fatal accident, resulting in criminal charges of involuntary manslaughter with a vehicle. The case has been forwarded to the Osceola County Prosecutor’s Office, where Prosecuting Attorney Anthony Badovinac has taken action against Mazurek. He was arrested and is due to appear in court at the 77th District Court in Reed City.
Response from Blue Lakes
Following the incident, Ryan Cupp, head of operations for Blue Lakes, confirmed that Mazurek is no longer employed by the company. While details surrounding his departure remain undisclosed, it is clear that the company is taking steps to address the situation.
Family’s Concerns and School Response
The family of the victim, known as Pete, has expressed disappointment in the response from Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) officials. They are particularly concerned about the delayed investigation and lack of communication following the crash, especially since children were on board at the time.
Meeting with School Officials
TCAPS Superintendent John VanWagoner has acknowledged the need for a meeting with Blue Lakes to discuss emergency protocols and driver training. Despite the incident, the school district continues to use the charter bus service for student transportation, highlighting the challenges of finding reliable transportation for school events.
Looking Towards the Future
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragic accident, there are calls for increased safety measures and improved communication between transportation providers and educational institutions. The need for accountability and transparency in such situations is paramount to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
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