JanerBlog

Such Sad News.

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/news-33/114497875835270.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

Chelsea police chief, fire captain killed in helicopter crash 4/13/2006, 11:17 p.m. ET By TOM KRISHER The Associated Press

SCIO TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — The city of Chelsea's police chief and a captain of the city's fire department were killed Thursday when their helicopter crashed while they were searching for a man who ran from a traffic stop, authorities said.

Police Chief Scott Sumner, 42, and fire Capt. Matt Tuttle, 28, were aboard Tuttle's private helicopter when it went down shortly after 3 p.m. about five miles west of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County sheriff's spokesman David Egeler said.

Matt graduated from Chelsea High in the same class with my brothers. He was a friend of theirs, and his parents and his brother Marcus came to visit our farm many times over the years. The Tuttles are good folks; they run a local spring-manufactury, where both my mom and I tried working, and where we both discovered we couldn't do factory work. The Tuttles were also early and vociferous supporters of my art, and I'm talking junior high, here.

A few months ago, Matt was out flying his helecopter for fun, and landed at the farm. He stayed for a bit and gave my father a ride, which was no doubt a huge thrill for dad -- he loves to see the land from above. Matt was a good, good guy.

This is an incredibly hard blow to a small community as Chelsea, and two young families have just been torn apart. If anyone's got some good vibes or prayers to share today, please send them the way of the Tuttles and the Sumners.

Posted by Jane