A MAKE A Wish bike ride ended in tragedy after an SUV rammed into a crowd of cyclists, killing two and injuring three, police said.
The crash occurred at about 11 a.m. Saturday during the Make-A-Wish Michigan 35th Annual Wish-A-Mile (WAM) Bicycle Tour, according to ABC affiliate WXYZ.
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The five cyclists were driving south on Stage Road in Ronald Township when they were hit by an SUV traveling north, investigators revealed.
The SUV reportedly crossed the center line while attempting to drive around another vehicle.
WXYZ reports that a cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries after being airlifted to a hospital in Grand Rapids.
Following the fatal crash, Make-A-Wish Michigan released this statement: “We are deeply saddened to share that a tragic accident occurred today in Lonia County involving cyclists participating in the Make-A-Wish® Michigan 35th Annual Wish-A-Mile® (WAM) Bike ride.
“Two riders were killed and three injured after being hit by a car.
“Our staff and the entire Make-A-Wish family are heartbroken and offer our deepest condolences to the riders involved, their loved ones and all members of the WAM community during this difficult time.
“We are grateful to the first responders who arrived immediately to save lives.
“We support our riders, staff and volunteers with grief counseling and assist with law enforcement investigations.”
Make-A-Wish Michigan noted that the third day of the WAM 300 bike tour, including their one-day WAM50 and WAM Jr. tours, have all been canceled for Sunday.
Meanwhile, the person driving the SUV was arrested after receiving medical attention.
The driver was caught on two counts of operating while intoxicated resulting in death and remains in Ionia County Jail.
The names of the five victims, all the men, and the SUV driver have not yet been released.