Posen accident is county?s first fatality of the year
An accident involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck in the village of Posen claimed the life of an Alpena man Sunday and left his wife in critical condition at Alpena General Hospital. The Presque Isle County Sheriff?s Department, as well as several EMT crews, responded after a call was placed at 6:03 p.m., reporting the accident at the intersection of M-65 and 634 Highway.
According to the preliminary investigation of deputy Darin Rabeau, the driver of the pickup, Shawn Farnum, 31, of Alpena was westbound on 634 Highway and failed to stop at the stop sign next to the Posen post office.
THE PICKUP entered M-65 at the moment a motorcycle being driven by Robert W. McConnell, 61, of Alpena, was entering the intersection. Both drivers attempted to stop their vehicles, but McConnell couldn?t avoid hitting the passenger-side door of Farnum?s pickup truck — leaving a large dent in the door and a broken window. Most of the damage was done to the motorcycle. Parts from the motorcycle were strewn from the impact point for 30 feet to the west of the intersection. McConnell was transported to AGH where he was pronounced dead. His wife Dorothy, 61, was in critical condition Tuesday afternoon.
Farnum and a passenger on the impact side of his truck, Kristine Konieczny, 18, of Alpena were treated and released.
PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY?S first fatal crash of 2003 may have been caused, in part, by the sun. Farnum told the investigating officer the sun was in his eyes and he didn?t see the stop sign. Rabeau concurred that the sun was in the eyes of westbound motorists as he traveled from Millersburg to Posen to respond to the crash. Farnum was going goose hunting with friends in the Posen area. Preliminary results suggest Farnum was traveling 35 m.p.h. when he arrived at the intersection.
McConnell and his wife, who had dinner in Gaylord and were traveling back to their home on Long Rapids Road, were traveling about 30 m.p.h. They were with a group of two other motorcycles. Initially it was believed McConnell was on the lead bike in the group, but another account suggested one bike made it by the truck
PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY accident reconstructionists, Det. Steve Porter, Tpr. Mike Jermeay of the Michigan State Police, as well as Sgt. Charles Beckwith of the Cheboygan County Sheriff?s Department, continued the investigation Sunday and Monday. Farnum was not suspected of drinking alcohol. Blood was drawn from McConnell, which is routine procedure in fatal accidents. Results were not available Tuesday. Farnum could face a charge of negligent homicide, but reports were not forwarded to the prosecutor?s office. Negligent homicide is a two year misdemeanor and brings fines of up to $2,000.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by Posen First Responders, Posen Fire Department, Allied EMS, and Grand Lake First Responders.