UPDATE, 1/25/16: The driver of the ORV side-by-side has been identified as James W. Laitinen, 56, of Ishpeming. He is hospitalized at UPHS Marquette in serious but stable condition.
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TILDEN TOWNSHIP, MI-- An Ishpeming man was seriously injured in an ORV accident in Tilden Township over the weekend.
Marquette County Sheriff’s deputies say Saturday around 1 a.m. the 55-year-old was driving on Trail 82 about a half-mile west of Stoneville Road when he misjudged a curve, left the trail, and hit a tree. The driver was trapped against the tree until 9:40 Saturday morning, when a group of snowmobilers from Wisconsin came across the accident.
The ORV driver was taken to UP Health System Marquette with serious injuries.
Officials say he was wearing a seat belt and alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.
Deputies were assisted by Ishpeming Township Fire/Rescue, UP Health System Bell, and the Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit.
