MASONVILLE TOWNSHIP — The person killed in a recent traffic accident on U.S. 41 north of Rapid River has been identified as 21-year-old Sean Lake of L’Anse, according to a press release issued by the Michigan State Police.

Shortly after 4:10 a.m. on Sept. 1, Delta County Dispatch received a call reporting an erratic driver traveling southbound on U.S. 41 near 38th Road. At 4:16 a.m., while dispatch was processing the first call, a second call was received reporting a head-on traffic crash on U.S. 41 just north of S.15 Road in Masonville Township.

A passenger car traveling southbound, which was being driven by Lake, had crossed into the northbound lane and into the path of a northbound semi truck being driven by Brandon Belanger, 27, of Escanaba. Belanger attempted to avoid Lake, but was not able to. A head-on collision occurred; as a result of this collision, both vehicles erupted in flames.

Lake was pronounced dead at the scene, and Belanger was transported to OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group in Escanaba for treatment of minor injuries. U.S. 41 was closed for several hours while investigation and clean-up of the accident took place; traffic was rerouted to M-35 and S.15 Rd. at this time.

Traffic crash investigators were called to the scene to assist, along with the Michigan State Police 8th District Traffic Crash Reconstructionist. Masonville Township Fire Department, Delta County Sheriff Department, Delta County Road Commission, U.P. Health System/Rampart EMS, Delta County Medical Examiner’s Office, Pro Towing, and Gene’s Towing also assisted at the scene. As of Thursday, investigation of the accident was continuing.