Motorcyclist killed in Pentwater crash identified
‘This is a big loss for the community’
PENTWATER — The 72-year-old motorcyclist who died following a pickup truck vs. motorcycle crash Saturday afternoon, May 13, at the intersection of Madison Road and Sixth Street has been identified as Paul Richard McDonald of Pentwater, according to Pentwater Police Chief Laude Hartrum.
“It was a very bad, tragic incident,” said Chief Hartrum who described McDonald as “very well known in the community. He served on various committees. This is a big loss for the community.” McDonald had also worked at the municipal marina, said Chief Hartrum.
The 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 pickup truck was eastbound on Sixth Street when it crossed the centerline, striking the westbound 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Andrew James Joldersma, 35, of Sand Lake, Michigan was driving the pickup truck, and Hunter Lee Hewitt, 22, of Reed City, Michigan, was a passenger in the truck. Neither were injured, said the chief. McDonald was wearing a helmet, he said.
Emergency units including Pentwater Police Department, Pentwater Fire Department, Hart Area Fire Department, Oceana County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, and Life EMS were dispatched to the scene at 2:49 p.m.
The crash remains under investigation.
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