TRAVERSE CITY — A Maple City man who authorities believe caused a traffic crash that killed a Thompsonville man could end up behind bars because he didn’t have a valid driver’s license.
Chad Michael Hedrick, 27, is charged with operating with a suspended, revoked or denied license causing death. He faces up to 15 years in prison, if convicted.
Hedrick hadn’t been arrested as of Friday afternoon.
Grand Traverse sheriff’s officials said Hedrick caused a June 5 crash along Karlin Road near Green Lake Township park. The crash killed Dale Robert Lovett, 58, who was on a motorcycle.
Hedrick, who drove a Buick Park Avenue, turned into the park from the south lane and pulled in front of Lovett, who traveled north. The vehicles collided, and Lovett, who wore a helmet, was thrown from his motorcycle.
He died at Munson Medical Center.
Hedrick never had a valid Michigan driver’s license, authorities said. He was licensed to drive in Florida because he used to live there, but that license was suspended after a citation and never reactivated because Hedrick didn’t pay fees.
Hedrick couldn’t be reached for comment. Lovett’s family declined comment.
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