Thomas Ned Grutsch dies in fatal Bear Creek Township crash on U.S. 131
Fatal Bear Creek Township crash death of Thomas Ned Grutsch – Obituary
Thomas Ned Grutsch, a 69-year-old resident of East Jordan, lost his life in a multi-vehicle collision Tuesday morning on U.S. 131 in Bear Creek Township.
The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office reported that the crash occurred south of Howard Road around 9:15 a.m. Investigators determined that Grutsch was driving a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado southbound on U.S. 131 when he lost control on snowy and icy road conditions. The vehicle veered into the northbound lane and collided with a 2018 Freightliner semi-truck driven by a 41-year-old man from Sears.
Grutsch was pronounced dead at the scene.
An additional vehicle, a 2021 Chevrolet Express van driven by an 81-year-old East Jordan man, was also involved when the driver attempted to avoid the initial crash. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported.
Undersheriff Matt Leirstein attributed the accident to hazardous road conditions caused by snow and ice.
Grutsch’s funeral services are scheduled for Friday, December 13, at noon at Gaylord E-Free Church, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Pastor Scott Distler will officiate the service.