Leelanau County, Mich. — A Traverse City man faces charges after a deadly crash that claimed the life of a volunteer lighthouse keeper on September 10.
Kenneth Marotzke, 71, was charged with three felonies and one misdemeanor, including Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death, after allegedly crossing the center line and colliding with a vehicle driven by 61-year-old Ronald Bellman. The crash occurred on M-22 at Crain Hill Road, closing the road for around seven hours.
Bellman, who was volunteering as a lighthouse keeper, was killed in the incident. Three passengers, including his wife Mary, sustained injuries and were treated at local hospitals.
Marotzke was arraigned on October 7 and is being held on a $150,000 personal recognizance bond. He is scheduled for a probable cause conference on October 15 and a preliminary exam on October 22.
Authorities reported that the investigation is ongoing, and a mugshot was not available from the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office as of Tuesday morning.
According to family members, Ronald and Mary Bellman shared a deep bond and had ambitions of experiencing life's adventures, which led them to Michigan for their lighthouse volunteer duties.