OCEANA COUNTY, Mich — The Oceana County Sheriff provided an update on the death of a Pierson woman who was hit by a Jeep while watching drag races in Oceana County Sunday.
Kadie Price, 33, and her family were outside of their car in the Vehicle Scramble Area of the park to watch the action at the drag strip on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
While they were watching, deputies said a 1980 Jeep CJ was racing northbound on the drag strip and lost control as it accelerated, veering off the drag strip and toward Price and her family.
The Jeep hit the Price's family vehicle which then hit Kadie. She was able to push her 2-year-old daughter out of the way just before being hit, deputies said.
On Tuesday, Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast provided an update on the investigation into Price's death.
Mast said that the driver involved in the crash has been very cooperative with the investigation, giving detectives everything they've asked for, including a blood sample.
While Mast believes that there is no reason to suspect the driver was intoxicated, the blood sample will be sent to the Michigan State Police crime laboratory.
There were lots of witnesses and digital media available to aid detectives in the investigation, Mast added.
"So then, when all this information is gathered, our detective, he's been staying in communication with the prosecuting attorney, it's all going to be reviewed by the prosecutor to see if there's something that needs to be handled through the criminal justice system further, or if it's deemed just purely unfortunate accident," Mast said during the update.
Price was in the Vehicle Scramble Area of the park when she was hit and killed, which Mast said is a place that carries more risk.
"Whenever somebody sets foot on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes [Vehicle] Scramble Area where the vehicles are, you are accepting some inherent risk. It's just, if I cross the street, I'm accepting some risk. But on the dunes, there's a little bit greater risk just purely because the number of the vehicles up there and the activities that they're doing," said Mast.
Drag racing on the dunes is currently legal, but Mast said that there was a short period of time when it was outlawed before legislation in 2021 made it legal again.
Mast said that the local community was a major driver in getting the racing legalized again, but it might be time to revisit its legality.
"It might be too little too late in this instance, but it might be something that needs to be looked at again," Mast told a reporter.
Accidents on the dunes are very common but usually don't involve drag racing, Mast said during the update.
"We have accidents on the dunes. Not every day, but very, very common. Now, drag racing, in particular, we have a couple incidents a summer. So, drag racing for as much activity that goes on there. You know, statistically, it's been relatively safe, until we run into a tragedy like what happened up there this weekend," Mast said.
Mast and the Oceana County Sheriff's Office ended the update by saying that they are keeping the Price family in all of their thoughts and prayers.
A fundraiser on GiveSendGo is designed to help Price's children navigate life without her.
“As many of you know, the Price family experienced an unthinkable loss with the unexpected passing of Kadie. During this difficult time, we want our community to unite and show unwavering support to the family. Your donation will celebrate Kadie's life and last act of heroism and support the children in navigating life without her. Thank you for honoring Kadie's memory with your generous contribution. Your support means more than words can express," the fundraising site said.
The crowdfunding website, self-identified as a Christian organization, said it does not charge people for using the platform.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the site raised nearly $50,000.
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