Two-vehicle crash claims life of Dryden man

Snow and icy roads reported at time of the crash

 

DRYDEN TWP. — A quick burst of heavy, wet snow that caused icy road conditions Friday afternoon has been identified as a possible cause of a fatal traffic accident.

Dryden Police Chief Shawn Peters said around 4 p.m. Friday, January 31, Lapeer County Central Dispatch was notified of a traffic crash on Dryden Rd. near the intersection of Lake George Rd. in Dryden Township, in Lapeer County.

The Dryden Township Police Department was immediately dispatched to the reported two- vehicle crash involving injuries.

According to Chief Peters, preliminary investigation determined 33-year-old Karl Ihrke of Dryden was traveling eastbound on Dryden Rd. in his 2004 Ford F-150.

Upon nearing the intersection of Lake George Rd., Ihrke’s 2004 Ford F-150 collided with a 2022 Ford F-150 that was traveling southbound who had entered the intersection, after it was unable to stop at the stop sign due to snowy / icy road conditions.

The 2022 Ford F-150 was operated by a 40-year-old man, also of Dryden.

Ihrke’s vehicle lost control, left the roadway, entered the south ditch striking a utility pole.

As Dryden Township Police and other First Responders arrived on scene, they immediately rendered medical aid to all parties involved.

Despite all of the assistance, Ihrke was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The 40-year-old operator of the second vehicle was not injured in the crash.

Dryden Rd. remained closed for approximately three hours for rescue, and investigation of the crash scene.

Preliminary investigation showed that winter weather and roadway conditions appeared to be contributing factors.

Dryden Twp. police were assisted by Metamora Twp. Police Department and Drone Unit, Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office, Lapeer County Accident Reconstruction Team, Dryden Twp. Fire Department, Lapeer County EMS, Lapeer County Road Commission, Detroit Edison, Byers Wrecker Service, and Lapeer County Central Dispatch.

The fatal crash remains under investigation at the time of this release.