COOPERSVILLE, Mich. — Loved ones are mourning the loss of a 20-year-old West Michigan man killed in a crash at Silver Lake Sand Dunes over the Labor Day weekend.
Funeral arrangements for 20-year-old Braden Jay VanPutten were announced this week.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said he died in a crash in the ORV area on Sunday, Sept. 1.
The wreck happened in the northwest area of the ORV area between Lake Michigan beach and an area known by dune enthusiasts as "Sunset Hill." A 14-year-old passenger in the other ORV suffered non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.
An obituary for VanPutten said he was born in Grand Rapids and attended Eastside Christian. He graduated from Covenant Christian High School.
"He loved the Lord, his family, and his friends. He will be remembered for his big smile and kind heart. His spare time was spent tinkering on his truck and ATV, while helping his friends with theirs. He loved to ride the trails in the UP at his grandpa's cabin," his obituary reads.
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Zaagman Memorial Chapel at 2800 Burton Street SE in Grand Rapids.
The memorial service is set for Friday, Sept. 6 at noon at First Protestant Reformed Church in Grand Rapids.
Before the funeral service on Friday, there will be a private committal service for the family.
In lieu of flowers, you're asked to send donations to Eastside Christian School Foundation, 2792 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.