Petoskey, Michigan – Samuel Gross, 18, Killed Instantly in Tragic Motorcycle Collision at Intertown and Eppler Roads
Petoskey, Michigan — A devastating crash on Monday evening claimed the life of 18-year-old Samuel Gross after his motorcycle collided with a Toyota SUV along a quiet stretch of roadway. Authorities say the accident occurred just after 7 p.m. at the intersection of Intertown and Eppler Roads, an area known for its winding turns and limited evening visibility.
According to officials, Gross was traveling on his motorcycle when it collided with a Toyota 4Runner driven by 69-year-old Candace Jo Wynn. The impact was catastrophic, leaving little chance of survival. Emergency teams arrived at the scene by 7:03 p.m. and found Gross unresponsive. Despite rapid efforts to provide medical aid, he was pronounced dead on impact.
Wynn, the driver of the Toyota, was taken to McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital for evaluation. Officials confirmed that she did not sustain serious injuries and has cooperated fully with investigators. Law enforcement noted that the crash appears to have been an unfortunate collision with no immediate indication of impairment or reckless behavior, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities from the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police quickly secured the intersection, closing the roadway for several hours. Accident reconstruction specialists arrived shortly thereafter to document evidence, assess vehicle damage, and determine contributing factors. Early reports suggest that speed may have played a role, though officials are also reviewing the timing of the turn and visibility conditions at the moment of impact.
Residents in the area described the scene as devastating. Several neighbors reported hearing a loud crash followed by sirens as emergency vehicles raced to the site. “It was horrifying — such a quiet road, and then suddenly, chaos,” said one nearby resident who witnessed the aftermath. The crash left the motorcycle nearly unrecognizable, lying in pieces across the asphalt.
The intersection of Intertown and Eppler Roads has been the subject of prior community concerns due to its limited lighting and sharp curve. Locals are once again calling for safety reviews, urging county officials to consider installing additional warning signs or speed limit reductions to prevent further tragedies.
Family and friends of Samuel Gross are left grappling with unbearable grief. Described as kind, hardworking, and full of life, Gross was known for his love of motorcycles and his adventurous spirit. His sudden death has left a lasting void in the Petoskey community, where residents have begun organizing candlelight vigils and memorial rides in his honor.
Social media has since filled with tributes and condolences, as classmates, neighbors, and loved ones share memories and words of support. “He had such a big heart,” one family friend wrote. “This community won’t be the same without him.”
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or noticed unusual activity in the area before the collision to come forward. Even the smallest details, they say, could help reconstruct the exact events that led to the deadly impact.
As the investigation continues, Petoskey mourns deeply for a young life lost far too soon. The crash serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can arise in a split second on the road — a tragic moment that forever changed one family, one neighborhood, and one community united in grief.
