Thomas Ned Grutsch Obituary, Death – A 69-year-old man from East Jordan, Thomas Ned Grutsch, tragically lost his life in a multi-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning, December 3, 2024, on U.S. 131 in Bear Creek Township. The incident occurred south of Howard Road at approximately 9:15 a.m., prompting a response from both the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police.
According to the authorities’ investigation, Grutsch was driving a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck southbound on U.S. 131 when he lost control of the vehicle on the snow-covered and icy road. The truck slid across the center line into the northbound lane, where it collided with a 2018 Freightliner semi-truck. The semi-truck was driven by a 41-year-old man from Sears. Sadly, Grutsch was pronounced dead at the scene.
In addition to the collision between Grutsch’s truck and the semi-truck, a 2021 Chevrolet Express van driven by an 81-year-old man from East Jordan was also involved in the crash. The van attempted to avoid the initial collision, but the details of its involvement were not specified. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported in the accident.
Undersheriff Matt Leirstein of Emmet County confirmed that the primary cause of the crash appeared to be the hazardous road conditions, particularly the snow and ice that had made driving treacherous that morning. Authorities do not suspect any other factors contributed to the accident.
Grutsch’s obituary confirmed that funeral services will be held on Friday, December 13, at Gaylord E-Free Church, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. The service will begin at noon, with Pastor Scott Distler officiating. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and Grutsch is remembered as a loved one who will be greatly missed by his community.
The investigation into the accident remains ongoing, and authorities continue to remind drivers of the dangers posed by winter weather conditions, urging caution when driving in snow and icy conditions.
