On Sunday, May 17, 2026, at approximately 11:55 a.m., deputies with the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal motorcycle crash in Merrill Township.

The preliminary investigation indicates a motorcycle carrying two occupants was involved in the crash on Woodbridge Drive near 8 Mile Road. According to online scanner reports, two separate motorcycles were involved in the wreck and a stop sign was damaged.

A 16-year-old female passenger from Fremont was pronounced dead at the scene. According to a release from Fremont Public Schools, the passenger was a student at Fremont High School.

“We are devastated and want to extend our deepest condolences to the student’s friends and family,” Fremont Public Schools Superintendent Brad Reyburn said. “During this time, we ask that you respect the privacy of the affected family and their loved ones. Our number one priority as a district will be supporting our students and staff as we navigate this tragic loss as a school community.”

The driver of the motorcycle, a 38-year-old man from Newaygo, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a Grand Rapids-area hospital for treatment.

“No further information is being released at this time pending notification of family members and continuation of the investigation,” the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office said in a release.

The Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by LIFE EMS, Aeromed, Lilley/Merrill Fire Department and the White Cloud Police Department.

_{Release information courtesy of Newaygo County Sheriff's Office.}