ESCANABA, MI— The Escanaba Department of Public Safety has concluded its investigation into a fatal three-vehicle crash on North Lincoln Road last Thanksgiving.
Two people were killed, five seriously injured, and two suffered minor injuries.
Officers and accident reconstructionists determined the at-fault vehicle was going over 70 miles per hour at the time of impact. A witness who was in the at-fault vehicle said the driver, Tony Hurkmans, 61, of Escanaba and some passengers smoked marijuana before the crash happened. The witness says Hurkmans had a reaction to a joint purchased at a dispensary. He coughed and appeared to lose consciousness before the collision.
Hurkmans and Kelly Piquette, 60, of Escanaba were killed.
An analysis of Hurkmans’ blood revealed a high level of active marijuana in his system. Officials also found levels of prescription medications and buprenorphine in his blood, but no alcohol.
