Man killed in motorcyle crash in Superior Township is identified
A man killed Wednesday night in a motorcycle crash in Superior Township has been identified as 21-year-old Michael Francis Griebe, Washtenaw County sheriff's deputies said.
Deputies say Griebe, who lives in the township, died about 6:05 p.m. after losing control of a 2004 Suzuki motorcycle, while traveling west on Old Ford Road at a high rate of speed.
The motorcycle went off the road and into a ditch and hit some tree limbs and a stump, throwing him off the bike, investigators said. He was wearing a helmet. Deputies said the accident occurred east of Plymouth Road.
Alcohol also appears to be a factor in the crash, deputies said.
Amanda Becker, 25, of Manchester, who is a friend of Griebe's, was saddened to learn of the accident, she said. Becker got together with Griebe and about 10 of his friends for a bonfire Saturday at Griebe's parent's home in the Ann Arbor area, she said.
"He loved hanging out with his friends, spending time with his girlfriend," she said. "I never saw a bad side of him."
Anyone with information about the accident can call the sheriff's department tip line at (734) 973-7711.
Lee Higgins is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
Ann English
Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 11:27 p.m.
Boaters, too, must navigate free from the influence of alcohol. Gearing up for a boater means wearing a life vest. Remember Ben Roethlisberger's accident; he learned to gear up before riding, but had been riding sober before then.
Antonia Terrazas
Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.
My prayers go out to all of your family and friends. I miss you so much already. R.I.P Mikey, love you.
gpg
Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 2:18 p.m.
Correction - alcohol and a high rate of speed add up to a dangerous situation, regardless of the vehicle, to either the driver of the vehicle, those around him/her or both. I feel for the family and friends but as a motorcyclist for over 30 years I have seen the good, bad and ugly on both sides - riders need to have respect for the machine and drivers need to have respect for the riders ... when either is lacking is when people get hurt. If you ride - please be extra careful, gear up and ride smart - a moment of thoughtlessness can cost way more than in a car. If you do not ride, please drive safe, and take the extra effort to watch out for those of us that do. We need you too. Also remember - some of us ride regardless of the weather so we might be out there when you least expect it.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.
your "correction' is incorrect. My comment didn't preclude other forms of transportation.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 11:45 a.m.
motorcycles, high rates of speed, and alcohol adds up to a dangerous scenario. My prayers go out to family and friends