2 Baraga teens found dead in vehicle, a third hospitalized
L’ANSE — Two Baraga County teens were found dead in a car Monday afternoon, while a third is now in a Green Bay hospital.
Baraga County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call of a possible drunk driver at the end of Silver Road in L’Anse Township at approximately 4:15 p.m. Monday, a sheriff’s department press release states.
Two boys, identified as Christopher Turpeinen, age 17, of Pelkie and Dylan Roberts, age 17, of L’Anse were found deceased inside the vehicle, which was running, the release states. A third victim, 17-year-old Hunter Pelon of Baraga, was unconscious. She was taken out of the vehicle and lifesaving measures were initiated, according to the release.
Pelon was transported to Baraga County Memorial Hospital by Bay Ambulance and was later transferred to a hospital in Green Bay. Law enforcement officials said Pelon was in stable condition on Tuesday.
The two male victims were pronounced dead at the scene by the medical examiner, officials said.
While the cause of death is unknown at this time, the release states, asphyxiation is suspected. Autopsies have been scheduled and the case remains under investigation.
Bay Ambulance and the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police assisted at the scene.
L’Anse Area Public Schools confirmed in a Facebook post that the three victims were students there.
The post states that community social workers and counselors would provide services at the school to support students and staff. Additional counseling services will continue to be available if needed, the post stated.