FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 26, 2016
The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal two vehicle traffic accident that occurred Saturday, July 23, 2016 at approximately 9:39 p.m., on M-119 near the Spring Lake Park, north of US-31, Bear Creek Township, according to Sheriff Pete Wallin. A northbound vehicle, driven by Nickalas Murrell, age 26, Alanson, MI., crossed over the center line and struck a southbound vehicle, driven by Jeffrey Dawes, age 53, Grand Rapids, MI. Murrell along with Dawes and his passengers, wife Lorri Dawes, age 38, and children Joshua, age 12 and Lindsey, age 14, were all injured as a result of the accident. Lorri Dawes was airlifted from the scene by North Flight EMS to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Lorri Dawes died around 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 25. Her cause of death appears to have resulted from the injuries she sustained in the crash. The road way was closed for approximately two hours. Deputies were assisted by the Resort/Bear Creek Fire Department, Michigan State Police and Emmet County EMS.
On, Tuesday, July 25, 2016, Nickalas Murrell was charged with a 12 count felony warrant issued by the Emmet County Prosecutors Office. One count of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death, one count of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Injury, one count of Operating-License Suspended, Revoked, Denied – Causing Death, one count of Operating – License Suspended, Revoked, Denied – Causing Serious Injury, one count of Motor Vehicle – Unlawful Driving Away, one count of Larceny In A Building, and six counts of Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing. Murrell is scheduled to be arraigned in 90th District Court on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Murrell remains lodged in the Emmet County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
Authority: Sheriff Pete Wallin
