ORV driver loses control, runs into tree

Fri, Jun 26, 2009

WRIGHT TOWNSHIP — The driver of an off-road vehicle was hospitalized and her passenger was injured Thursday evening after she lost control and struck a tree.

According to Lt. Mike Brookhouse of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department, 29-year-old Melissa VanBeveren of Holland was driving the ORV on the property located at 18705 14th Avenue in Wright Township when she lost control, went into a ravine and struck a large tree.

Upon impact, VanBeveren was thrown from the two-seat Yamaha Rhino, Brookhouse said. The passenger on the ORV, Al Dietrich, 47, of Conklin, was able to jump away before the vehicle hit the tree. Neither VanBeveren or Dietrich were wearing seatbelts even though they were available on the ORV, Brookhouse said.

Dietrich was able to place a cell phone call to others at a residence approximately a half mile from the crash, Brookhouse said, who responded to the scene and then contacted 911. Responders initially had a hard time locating the crash site because it was located about three-quarters of a mile off 14th Avenue in an apple orchard, Brookhouse said.

After removing VanBeveren from the crash site, she was taken to a landing zone and transported to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital by Aeromed with multiple injuries, Brookhouse said. She was listed in serious condition this morning. Dietrich suffered minor scrapes and bruises, Brookhouse said, and was not transported to the hospital.

The Ottawa County Sheriff's Department is still investigating the crash, Brookhouse said.