SILVER LAKE STATE PARK, Mich. — A tragic accident claimed the life of 33-year-old Kadie Price over the Memorial Day weekend.
The Oceana County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) said she died after a Jeep lost control on the drag strip at Silver Lake State Park. The jeep hit the family car, which then hit her, police say.
Just as it happened, she was able to push her toddler out of the way, which, according to police, likely saved the child's life.
The Kent County Sheriff's Office confirmed Monday that Price was also the wife of one of their deputies.
One person who told 13 ON YOUR SIDE they were there when it happened spoke off-camera and said they were one of the bystanders who rushed over to try and help. This person said it was likely around a hundred people that saw and rushed over. Some people, they said, put up blankets to give privacy to the scene.
Park rangers and others did try to render first aid, but Price did, unfortunately, pass away from her injuries.
Multiple people spoke to how the nature of the off-roading activities opens the door to inherent risks, even with safety restrictions in place.
Such that are currently in place for the area include restrictions on vehicles, Olson said, including noise regulations, and lighting and display regulations given the uneven terrain.
A prohibition on alcoholic beverages is also in place in the off-road area of Silver Lake State Park.
"There are things such as that you shouldn't operate at a rate of speed that is greater than is reasonable and proper or operate in a careless manner," said Ron Olson, who serves as the director of parks and recreation for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. "And that's a judgment call based on our park rangers and our conservation officers that are up there."
OCSO has begun an ongoing investigation into what happened. While they confirmed the driver of the Jeep to be a 64-year-old Michigan man, they have not yet released his identity as the investigation continues.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.