FOUNTAIN, Mason County, Mich., Oct. 24, 2026 — Two women from Bear Lake died Friday afternoon, October 23, in a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. 31 and Sugar Grove Road in Mason County's Sherman Township, according to the Mason County Sheriff's Office.
The sheriff's office said emergency crews were called to the scene at 4:46 p.m. and found that the crash involved a motorcycle, a minivan and a pickup truck. A 69-year-old Bear Lake woman was driving the minivan with a 28-year-old Bear Lake woman riding as her passenger, the sheriff's office said. Both were pronounced dead at the scene and were the only two people in that vehicle. Their names have not been released.
Two other people involved in the crash were taken to Corewell Hospital in Ludington with injuries described as non-life-threatening, the release said.
The sheriff's office said the crash remains under investigation and that information on what caused it will be released later. Crews from the Custer Township Fire Department, Scottville Fire Department, Fountain Area Fire Department and Life EMS responded alongside deputies and the Mason County Victim Services Unit.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who died.
More on Crashes in Fountain, MI
This crash happened on Sugar Grove Road in Fountain, Michigan. We cover crashes across Mason County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Mason County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does speed make a difference in how severe a crash is? Yes. Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and increase the force involved in a collision, which raises the chance of serious injury or death, especially in crashes involving vehicles of very different sizes, like a motorcycle, minivan and pickup truck.
Why is distracted driving such a risk at intersections like this one? A few seconds of lost attention at a highway intersection can mean missing a stop sign, a gap in traffic or an oncoming vehicle, which is often enough to cause a multi-vehicle crash.
What to Do After a Car Crash in Fountain, MI
If you or someone you love is involved in a crash in or around Fountain, start by getting medical care, even for injuries that seem minor at first. Shock can mask pain for hours or days. Make sure to keep records of any treatment, follow up with your doctor as recommended, and request a copy of the official crash report once the sheriff's office completes its investigation. If you're a witness or were nearby, consider sharing what you saw with investigators, since every detail can help establish what happened. Give yourself time to process the event, and lean on family, friends or local support services if you need it.
