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Fatal two-vehicle crash in Bessemer

BESSEMER, MI--   A Wakefield man has been killed in a traffic accident in Bessemer. 

The Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office says it happened Thursday afternoon on US-2 near Fairview Drive. Deputies say Rex Smith, 41, of Wakefield was eastbound when he lost control of his vehicle and spun into the westbound lanes. He hit a vehicle driven by Alvin Liikanen, 86, of Ironwood.

Liikanen and his 87-year-old passenger Barbara Liikanen were taken to Aspirus Ironwood Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Smith was extricated from his vehicle by the Bessemer City Fire Department using the Jaws of Life. He was also taken to the hospital, and later pronounced dead.

Police say the highway was closed for about three hours while the scene was cleared. Speed and reckless driving are believed to be factors in the accident.

Nicole was born near Detroit but has lived in the U.P. most of her life. She graduated from Marquette Senior High School and attended Michigan State and Northern Michigan Universities, graduating from NMU in 1993 with a degree in English.