Driver in crash that killed motorcyclist charged with OWI causing death

Driver in crash that killed motorcyclist charged with OWI causing death

Joldersma

PENTWATER — The 35-year-old Sand Lake man who was driving a pickup truck that crashed into a motorcycle last May is being charged with a felony of operating while intoxicated death, according to 79th District Court records.

Andrew James Joldersma faces up to 15 years if convicted.

The 72-year-old motorcyclist who died following the pickup truck vs. motorcycle crash Saturday afternoon, May 13, at the intersection of Madison Road and Sixth Street was Paul Richard McDonald of Pentwater.

“It was a very bad, tragic incident,” said Pentwater Police Chief Laude 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. 

Hunter Lee Hewitt, 22, of Reed City, Michigan, was a passenger in the truck. Neither he nor Joldersma were injured. McDonald was wearing a helmet.

Joldersma is scheduled to appear for a preliminary exam in district court Aug. 1 at 1 p.m. His bail was set at $10,000 cash/surety/10 percent.

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