April 23 Car Accident Claims Life of Drummond Island Man

A motor vehicle accident on Drummond Island claimed the life of Donovan Hillard Rhead, a 79- year-old Island resident, Wednesday, April 23, shortly before 11 a.m.

Apostal delivery vehicle driven by David Church of DeTour Village was stopped on the shoulder of Channel Road in front of Wazz's Party Store when a vehicle approached from the rear, driven by Mr. Rhead. Mr. Rhead veered off the road and struck the mail vehicle, Chippewa County sheriff's deputies reported. The impact caused Mr. Rhead's Jeep Wrangler to roll over several times, trapping him inside. He was transported to War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, where he died late Thursday afternoon.

The postal employee was uninjured; his truck sustained heavy damage.

It is unknown why Mr. Rhead's vehicle swerved into the truck, investigators said, as there were no signs of braking and no alcohol use. Seat belts were used. Chippewa County sheriff's deputies and Michigan State Police are investigating the crash.

Mr. Rhead's obituary was published May 1 in The St. Ignace News.