Man killed in two-boat collision on Houghton Lake, 16 people involved

ROSCOMMON COUNTY (WWJ) A man died in a two-boat collision on Houghton Lake in northern Michigan.

The Roscommon County Sheriff’s Office said, on July 4th, they responded to a two-boat crash with multiple victims on Houghton Lake in the Long Point area of Lake Township. When officers and EMS arrived, bystanders had already started CPR on one of the victims.

“More victims began to come off the lake,” the sheriff’s statement on Facebook read.

The sheriff’s office said many private citizens helped to give aid to the victims on the shore, and to transport them to the ambulances.

Lake Township is about 20 miles south of Grayling, in Roscommon County.

Investigation revealed a pontoon boat, carrying 4 people, collided head-on with another pontoon boat with 12 people inside.

“There is indication that a third boat was also traveling in close proximity that could have obstructed the view of the boat operators,” the statement read.

David Dark, 68 of Freeland, died of his injuries at the scene. Two more victims were treated at Grayling Munson Hospital. Their ages and conditions were not released.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash, the sheriff’s office said.

Michigan State Police, Denton Township EMS, Markey Township Fire and EMS, Houghton Lake EMS, and Lake Township Fire assisted at the scene.

The sheriff’s office said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to victim’s family and friends at this time.”