Diocese Grieves After 3 Members Killed in Kalamazoo Crash That Left 5 Dead, 4 Injured
The Diocese of Kalamazoo in Michigan is in mourning along with several others in their community after learning that three of the five cyclists killed in a deadly crash that left four others injured were members of churches in the diocese.
Debra Bradley, 53; Suzanne Joan Sippel, 56; Lorenz John (Larry) Paulik, 74; Fred Anton (Tony) Nelson, 73, and Melissa Ann Fevig-Hughes, 42, all died in the crash.
Bradley, a mother and a parishioner at St. Ann Catholic Church, and Nelson and Paulik, who are active members of the St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish, were all a part of the Diocese of Kalamazoo family, according to WOOD-TV.
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Reports are that at around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, the five killed were among nine bicyclists who were hit from behind near Markin Glen Park in the 5500 block of N. Westnedge Ave. in Cooper Township, north of Kalamazoo.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident last evening involving a group of bicyclists from our community, five of whom lost their lives and four of whom have suffered serious injuries. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the five innocent people whose lives were ended much too soon, as well as the four other individuals who continue fighting for their lives," said The Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley, Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo in a statement posted on the church's website.
"Our beloved community of Kalamazoo has once again suffered a devastating and shocking loss, and more than ever we are called to draw upon the strength and goodwill of everyone in this caring, vibrant community. Amidst this tragedy, we ask for God's grace to help us remain strong and to be united in our prayers and support for all as we grieve with one another," he added.
The injured survivors are: Paul Douglas Gobble, 47, of Richland; Sheila Diane Jeske, 53, of Richland; Jennifer Lynn Johnson, 40, of Kalamazoo, and Paul Lewis Runnels, 65, of Richland.
Deacon Mike Carl of St. Ann Catholic Church in Augusta told mlive.com that Bradley, the church priest, has been with her family.
"Father and I went down to Markin Glen Park last night," Carl said. "We met with her husband, Tom, and her two kids."
Associate Sister Pam Owens told mlive.com that both Paulik and Nelson were extremely involved in the church and described them as "great human beings," wonderful husbands, fathers and grandfathers.
She said they were two great friends who loved biking and "biked constantly." When the crash happened they were about 5 miles into a nearly 30-mile trip.
In a detailed account of how the accident unfolded, mlive.com noted that while the cyclists were preparing for their ride, multiple calls were made to 911 about a blue Chevy pickup truck driving erratically. Authorities had begun searching for the vehicle when just after 6:30 p.m., as the cyclists were traveling along North Westnedge Avenue in Cooper Township, the blue pickup came roaring up behind the cyclists and plowed into them.
"I saw a bunch of bikes hit the front of his truck and a couple of them flew," witness Markus Eberhard told WOOD-TV. The driver is in police custody and has been widely reported to be Charles Pickett Jr., a 50-year-old man from Battle Creek, Michigan. He was expected to be arraigned Thursday afternoon in Kalamazoo County District Court.
St. Thomas More is expected to hold a community prayer service at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 9, at the church, 421 Monroe St., in support of the victims, families and the community. The service will be open to the public, according to mlive.com.
