GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) — A minor was struck and killed by a Metropolis shuttle bus at Cherry Capital Airport on Friday at approximately 4:45 p.m. while crossing from the parking lot to the terminal.
Authorities confirmed the victim was a Michigan resident, though not from Traverse City. Witnesses reported immediate emergency response, including on-duty police officers and an off-duty paramedic and trauma doctor who were present at the airport.
Despite the rapid response, the minor succumbed to injuries at the scene. The Cherry Capital Airport Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from the Michigan State Police Reconstruction Accident Investigation Team. “We're working with Metropolis to gather necessary information, and they have been cooperative,” said Police Chief Joseph Fitzgerald.
The shuttle service, provided by Metropolis, manages transportation between the airport and its recently opened economy parking lot. Fitzgerald noted that questions remain regarding the circumstances of the incident, such as whether the victim was in a crosswalk or if the shuttle was speeding.
As the investigation progresses, Fitzgerald expressed condolences to the victim's family and emphasized the impact of such tragedies on witnesses. Further details will be updated as they become available.