GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — A Grand Rapids man accused of causing a wrong-way crash on US-131 that claimed the life of a beloved pastor has taken a plea deal.
Marcel Demontae McMillan pleaded no contest Monday to operating while intoxicated (OWI) causing death and a habitual offender charge, according to Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker. The reckless driving charge and another habitual offender charge were dropped.
These charges stem from the crash that claimed the life of 63-year-old Byron Center man Dean Elliott. He pastored many parishes in West Michigan, from Living Hope Assembly of God to Fennville Assembly of God Church.
Michigan State Police said on April 2, 2023, a 30-year-old man from Grand Rapids, later identified as McMillan, was driving southbound in the northbound lanes of US-131 around 8:30 a.m. when he hit a northbound vehicle head-on.
The 63-year-old man from Byron Center, now identified as Elliot, died from his injuries.
Wayne Benson, a friend of Elliott's, said his passing is a loss not only to the ministries he worked with, but to everyone who loved him.
"He had very big, long arms of love. And he touched many thousands of people," said Benson.
McMillan was previously convicted of driving without a valid license in 2021, online court records show. He will be sentenced on Wednesday, July 24 at 1:30 p.m.
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