Grand Haven couple hurt in Wright Township accident

A Grand Haven couple received serious injuries in a two-car accident late Sunday afternoon at the intersection of Cleveland Street and 24th Avenue. Walter and Sonja Draeger, both 72, of Grand Haven, were traveling east on Cleveland Street just after 5 p.m. Sunday when their 1990 Mazda Miata was struck by a southbound car, said Sgt. Jon Wolffis of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department. The driver of the other car, 16-year-old Ashley Keizer of Marne, failed to stop her 1998 Chevrolet Venture at a stop sign before proceeding into the intersection, Wolffis said.

Tribune Staff

Aug 29, 2011

Both cars went off the roadway into a field, with the Draeger car flipping over, Wolffis said.

Walter Draeger was pinned inside the vehicle and was taken to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital by Life Ambulance with critical injuries, Wolffis said. Sonja Draeger was also taken to Butterworth. A hospital spokesman said both Walter and Sonja were in fair condition this morning.

Keizer and three backseat passengers in her car suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene, Wolffis said. The passengers were Wendy Keizer, 38, Ahron Keizer, 14, and Alison Keizer, 11.

Wolffis said the crash is still under investigation and that alcohol was not a factor.