Wednesday, February 13, 2008

The Gratiot County Sheriff's Office is investigating a traffic accident that killed a Belding woman and injured two other people Sunday.

SEVILLE TOWNSHIP -- The Gratiot County Sheriff's Office is investigating a traffic accident that killed a Belding woman and injured two other people Sunday.

The incident occurred at M-46 and Osborne Road in Seville Township at 5:02 p.m. According to the sheriff's office, William Wichert, 31, of Blanchard was driving a pickup truck eastbound on M-46 hauling a three-axle trailer. A smaller trailer was strapped atop the three-axle trailer when the straps broke, the smaller trailer came loose and it struck two westbound vehicles.

Linda Chickering, 50, was driving a Dodge minivan that collided with the trailer. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband, George Chickering, 53, was a passenger in the vehicle, was taken to Gratiot Community Hospital in Alma and was transferred that same day to another hospital, according to Gratiot Community Hospital employees. He currently is listed in fair condition, according to the sheriff's office.

Sheriff's Det. Mike Morris said both Chickerings were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.

Brandie Perry, 38, of Comstock Park was driving another vehicle that was struck by the trailer. She was not injured. Her son, Robert Perry, 12, was taken to Gratiot Community Hospital with minor injuries. He also was wearing a seat belt, according to Morris.

Wichert, his wife and three children were not injured.

Chickering is survived by her husband and two children. Her funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Belding. The Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home in Belding is in charge of arrangements.

Staff writer Elisabeth Waldon can be reached at ewaldon@staffordgroup.com or (616) 754-9303 ext. 3065.

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