By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
COLFAX TOWNSHIP — An 82-year-old Hart man died after crashing the 2008 Honda moped he was operating on North 176th Avenue near Dennis Keating Drive Friday, June 26, shortly after 2 p.m., according to Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast.
Byron Richard Purdy was pronounced dead at the scene, said Sheriff Mast.
“Although passersby attempted to give aid with great effort. Walkerville Fire and Rescue, along with Life EMS, also attempted to resuscitate but were unsuccessful,” said the sheriff.
“It is believed that he went off the road, therefore losing control. He was ejected from his moped and was not wearing a helmet and suffered catastrophic injuries. The investigation is continuing.”
“… upon passing the intersection, (the moped) hit the shoulder of the roadway,” states the OCSO accident report. “(Purdy) attempted to get (the moped) back onto the roadway, but was unable to before being ejected.. (He) hit the road, resulting in severe injury. Bystanders stumbled upon the accident and checked on the driver. The bystanders called 911 and reported that the driver was not breathing and had no pulse. CPR was started and continued until the arrival of EMS. After life saving attempts were made, (he) was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash, and blood results are pending, the report states.
In addition to Life EMS and Walkerville Fire and Rescue, the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office Accident Investigation Team.
“Please keep the victim’s family in your thoughts,” said Sheriff Mast.
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