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NEWS MEDIA INFORMATION REPORT

***** UPDATE *****

On May 1, 2016, deputies with the Sheriff’s Office responded to a head-on collision that resulted in the deaths of Raymond Wrona and Mary Wrona. The investigation has been ongoing and has led to the arrest of the driver of the other vehicle.

Joel Ibarra, age 26 from Wyoming, was arrested late Monday afternoon in connection with the crash. Ibarra has been arraigned on four charges; two charges of operating while under the influence of a controlled substance causing death and two charges of reckless driving causing death. Ibarra is currently out on a $35,000.00 bond.

The crash occurred when Ibarra’s 2012 Audi struck Wrona’s 1999 Buick head-on as Ibarra attempted to pass multiple vehicles.

Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

***Initial news release ****

NEWS MEDIA INFORMATION REPORT


SUBJECT OF RELEASE: Fatal traffic crash

DATE AND TIME: Approximately 7:18 PM on Sunday, May 1, 2016

LOCATION: M-66 near Schmeid Road, Belvidere Township

AUTHORITY/CONTACT PERSON: Undersheriff Michael J. Williams

Montcalm County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a two car crash on M-66 near Schmeid Road in Belvidere Township. The crash was reported at approximately 7:18 PM on Sunday, May 1, 2016. Two people died as a result of the crash.

The investigation has revealed that a red 1999 Buick LeSabre was travelling south on M-66 as a northbound black 2012 Audi S4 was attempting to pass multiple vehicles. The Audi was not able to complete the pass and took evasive action to avoid a collision with the Buick. The driver of the Buick attempted to avoid a collision as well. Both vehicles swerved to the west shoulder of M-66 and collided head on.

The driver of the Buick, Raymond J. Wrona, an 88 year old from Grand Rapids, was injured and transported to Kelsey Hospital in Lakeview where he was later pronounced dead. The passenger, Mary Wrona, also 88 years old and wife of Raymond, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Audi, Joel Ibarra, a 26 year old from Wyoming, and his passenger, Maria Mancha, a 28 year old from Comstock Park, were both transported to Kelsey Hospital and treated for their injuries.

All vehicle occupants were restrained and there are no other known factors that contributed to the crash.

Assisting at the crash scene were Belvidere Township Fire, Montcalm County Emergency Medical Services, and the Michigan State Police.

The crash remains under investigation.