Woman killed in Chippewa County crash, driver arrested for OWI
A McBain man was arrested on Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charges after a fatal Chippewa County crash on Monday.
Michigan State Police responded to an accident on Monday, July 13, 2026, at approximately 10:48 a.m. on Lakeshore Drive near Lake Street Loop in Bay Mills Township.
According to police, a 46-year-old McBain man was driving west when he crossed the centerline and collided with Ford Fiesta driving east driven by a 62-year-old woman from Lake, Michigan.
The Ford driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Trailblazer driver showed signs of intoxication during the on scene investigation. He was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated causing death and operating with a suspended license.
The man was taken to MyMichigan Medical Center Sault because of injuries from the crash, then transferred to McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey for additional treatment. Police said he remains in custody and would be lodged in the Chippewa County Jail after medical clearance.
Michigan State Police were assisted by Bay Mills Police Department, Bay Mills EMS, Chippewa County Sheriff's Office, Clare County Sheriff's Office and Merles Towing.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Michigan OWI laws
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled or intoxicating substances is illegal. Under Michigan law, an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charge applies when a driver has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher or is clearly visibly impaired.
Michigan has separate rules for drivers under 21. Penalties for an OWI can vary based on the person's record and the circumstances, but they can include fines, jail, license sanctions, vehicle immobilization or an ignition interlock requirement.
Michigan law allows a charge of OWI causing death when an intoxicated driver causes a fatal crash. This is a felony that can carry up to 15 years in prison, with higher penalties in certain circumstances. Prosecutors must prove both an applicable OWI violation and that the person's operation of the vehicle caused the death.
A criminal charge does not decide the outcome of related civil claims. For families affected by a fatal crash, Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority can help explain the insurance issues that may follow.
Can a family seek no-fault benefits and a wrongful death claim after a fatal Michigan crash?
Yes. Depending on insurance coverage, priority rules and the circumstances of the crash, a no-fault claim may be available after a fatal crash.
A separate civil claim may also be possible if an at-fault driver caused the death. Under MCL 500.3135, severely injured drivers or the estate representatives of dead drivers may be able to file a claim seeking noneconomic damages.
Potential damages can include medical, hospital, funeral and burial expenses, conscious pain and suffering, lost financial support and lost society and companionship.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help injured people and families across Michigan with personal injury, car crashes, no-fault claims, insurance disputes, serious injury claims and wrongful death cases.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Michigan car crash, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact us for a consultation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Michigan Legal Center can help with questions about Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.