Intoxicated Driver Kills 2 Cyclists, Injures 3 During Make-A-Wish Fundraising Event

Ronald Township, Michigan -- Two cyclists were killed and three were injured when an SUV crashed into them at a charity bike ride in Michigan.

The driver of the SUV, who was intoxicated at the time, was arrested following the incident, the sheriff’s office said.

The crash involved cyclists taking part in the Make-A-Wish Michigan 35th Annual Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour, according to NBC News. The three-day endurance ride, covering most of Michigan, was held in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with critical illnesses.

Five male cyclists were traveling south during the fundraising event Saturday when the northbound SUV rammed into them in Ronald Township.

A 911 call at around 11:15 a.m. reported a car running into a group of cyclists in Ionia County, leading to deputies and other law enforcement officials arriving at the scene.

“It was immediately discovered to be a vehicular mass-casualty incident,” the Ionia County Sheriff's Office wrote on Facebook.

Investigators said the SUV’s driver crossed the center divide of a roadway and tried to pass another vehicle before striking the five cyclists, according to USA TODAY.

One cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. Another was flown to a hospital via helicopter but later succumbed to injuries. The three surviving cyclists had sustained serious injuries.

“The driver of the vehicle which struck the bicyclists was evaluated and arrested for two counts of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death, and after receiving medical treatment was lodged at the Ionia County Jail. That driver’s name will not be released pending formal charges and arraignment,” the sheriff’s office said. “The cyclists are not being named at this time, with ongoing efforts to ensure their family members are given ample opportunity for notification of death or injury.”

Make-A-Wish Michigan released a statement and said the third day of their Wish-A-Mile 300 and Wish-A-Mile 50 and Wish-A-Mile Jr., all scheduled for Sunday, were canceled in light of the tragedy, WOOD TV8 reported.

“Our staff and the entire Make-A-Wish family are heartbroken and offer our deepest sympathy for the riders involved, their loved ones, and all members of the WAM community during this difficult time. We are thankful to the first responders who arrived immediately to save lives,” the statement said.