GAYLORD, Michigan – A 70-year-old Saranac man is facing multiple felony charges months after a head-on crash in Northern Michigan that left several people critically injured and later claimed the life of one passenger. Authorities say the case moved forward after the victim succumbed to injuries sustained in the September collision.
Michael Burlingame, 70, of Saranac, was arraigned Friday, Feb. 13, in Otsego County District Court on several counts related to operating while intoxicated and reckless driving.
Crash on M-32 in Elmira Township
According to the Michigan State Police, troopers responded to a serious crash on Sept. 20 along M-32 near Buell Road in Elmira Township.
Investigators said a Ford SUV, reportedly driven by Burlingame, crossed the center line and collided head-on with a westbound Dodge pickup truck. The pickup had a driver and three passengers inside at the time of the crash.
A 79-year-old man from Plymouth was seated in the truck’s front passenger seat. Two 76-year-old women, one from Gaylord and one from Plymouth, were riding in the back seat. All three passengers were transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.
Both drivers involved in the crash suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were also taken for medical treatment.
Passenger Dies From Injuries
Authorities later confirmed that the 76-year-old woman from Gaylord died on Nov. 3 as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. Her death prompted additional charges following a continued investigation into the cause of the collision.
State police said they conducted an extended review before submitting their findings to the Otsego County Prosecutor’s Office for evaluation. The investigation included assistance from the Michigan State Police Seventh District’s fugitive team.
Weapon Found in Vehicle
During the initial search of the SUV, troopers discovered a handgun inside the vehicle. Police said Burlingame did not possess a concealed pistol license at the time. The firearm was seized pending review by prosecutors.
As a result, Burlingame is also facing a charge related to carrying a concealed weapon.
Charges Filed
Burlingame was arrested Thursday, Feb. 12, and lodged in the Otsego County Jail.
He now faces:
- Two counts of operating while intoxicated (OWI) causing serious injury
- Reckless driving causing serious impairment of a body function
- One count of OWI causing death
- One count of reckless driving causing death
- One count of carrying a concealed weapon
Each of the charges carries potential prison time if convicted.
Next Court Date
Burlingame is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 19 for further proceedings in the case.
The crash remains a stark reminder of the dangers associated with impaired and reckless driving. Authorities have not released additional details regarding toxicology findings or further investigative results at this time.
