Dexter High School student Nick King dies of injuries suffered in boat crash
Dexter High School sophomore Nick King has died of injuries he suffered in a weekend boating crash in Gladwin County, authorities confirmed this afternoon.
Interim Superintendent Mary Marshall said the school district learned this morning that King died Thursday afternoon.
"He was just a wonderful young man who was just loved by his teachers, his friends, his family," she said. "He will truly, truly be missed. The district crisis committee has gotten together to make sure we have support in place for our grieving students and staff. ... It's a sad day for us all."
Lt. Creig Grey of the law enforcement division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment said King, 15, was driving a small jet boat on Lake Lancer in Gladwin County about 5:45 p.m. Sunday when it collided with a larger boat.
He said it's not clear what caused the accident or who may have been at fault, but the larger boat ran over the smaller boat in the collision. The investigation is continuing.
Also in the boat with King were two 14-year-old girls from Canton and an 18-year-old man from Dexter. They suffered non life-threatening injuries, Grey said.
The larger boat was an outboard-motor powered boat, about 20 feet long. It was driven by a 43-year-old man from Macomb Township, he said. Also in the boat were a 57-year-year old man from Lenox, and a 47-year-old man from Harrison Township. They were not injured.
Hosmer-Muehlig Funeral Home in Dexter is handling the arrangements. Visitation will take place on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church at Mast and North Territorial roads north of Dexter. A funeral will be held at the church on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Lake Lancer, Gladwin County
Comments
dexterreader
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 7:20 p.m.
I do not know this family personally, but am a Dexter resident and parent with a son at Dexter H.S. My heart goes out to the King family. I can't even begin to imagine the heartache and pain they must be enduring. You are very much in my thoughts and prayers.
Ice Cream
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 1:05 p.m.
Nick will be greatly missed.
dextermom
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 7:39 a.m.
A life cut short is a very sad thing. Our love to you.
ChelseaBob
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 7:30 a.m.
We offer our prayers and condolences.
EDM450
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 6:59 a.m.
The loss of a child is so very hard for any family. He sounded like such a real class act. So well liked by everyone. Just a terrible thing to have happen to this family. I am very sorry for your loss
Barney1960
Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 8:40 p.m.
This is a terrible thing to happen to such a great kid and he will be greatly missed. Whether you knew him or not, please pray for his family. Pray that they are comforted by their friends, shown love by strangers, and are granted peace during this very difficult time.
stunhsif
Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 6:56 p.m.
Very sad story, our thoughts and prayers go out to this young man's family. A life cut short like this is so very tragic, so much future talent never to be seen or shared or enjoyed.