ONTONAGON — Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday afternoon in Ontonagon County.

According to Michigan State Police from the Wakefield post, the incident took place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday on M-28 near Timberline Rentals in Bergland Township.

The investigation, which includes deputies from the Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Department, revealed that a couple from Minnesota was traveling westbound on M-28. An 81-year-old Wakefield man was traveling eastbound and attempted to turn left into a private driveway, entering the path of oncoming traffic. The Minnesota couple tried to avoid the crash but were unable to do so.

As a result of the crash, the 81-year-old man was transported to Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, where he later died.

His vehicle had struck a car carrying a 63-year-old Minnesota woman, who was in the passenger seat. She was transported to Aspirus Ironwood Hospital with suspected serious injuries and she was later airlifted for further medical care.

The 61-year-old Minnesota man who was driving also sustained injuries and sought medical treatment.

The Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation, with support from MSP troopers and the MSP Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit. Additional assistance at the scene was provided by SONCO, Beacon Ambulance and Bergland Fire Department.

“MSP thanks the local residents and off-duty medical personnel who stopped to offer aid, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased and those injured,” state police Lt. Ben Eckola, MSP Eighth District public information officer, said in a written statement. “The crash remains under investigation.”

Bud Sargent can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 544. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net.