On a quiet Sunday afternoon, August 10, 2025, the serene stretch of U.S. 131 near Big Rapids in Mecosta County, Michigan, was shattered by a devastating crash that left a community in mourning. At approximately 12:07 p.m., a vehicle traveling southbound near mile marker 139 veered off the highway at high speed, striking the Perry Avenue overpass with catastrophic force. The impact ignited a fierce blaze, engulfing the car in flames and claiming the lives of two siblings, Mark Lewis, 59, of Kentwood, Michigan, and Tamyra Northern, 61, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, along with their cherished dog.
Emergency responders, including the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office and Big Rapids Fire Department, raced to the scene, their sirens cutting through the midday calm. Firefighters battled the intense flames, working tirelessly to extinguish the inferno that had consumed the vehicle. Once the fire was subdued, the grim discovery was made: the two occupants and their pet had perished, pronounced dead at the scene. The loss was a heartbreaking blow, not only to the victims’ loved ones but to the tight-knit Mecosta County community.
The crash’s impact extended beyond the tragic loss of life. The Perry Avenue overpass, struck with such force, sustained significant structural damage, raising concerns about its stability. The Michigan Department of Transportation swiftly closed the southbound lanes of U.S. 131 at Perry Avenue and Exit 139, diverting traffic to allow for a thorough assessment and necessary repairs. The closure disrupted travel in the region, underscoring the severity of the incident and its far-reaching consequences.
Investigators are now piecing together the events leading up to the tragedy. The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office, supported by the Michigan State Police Accident Investigation Team, is examining all possible factors, from road conditions to potential mechanical failures or driver error. No definitive cause has been released, as authorities work meticulously to uncover the truth behind the high-speed collision.
The response to the crash was a testament to the strength and coordination of local emergency services. Alongside the sheriff’s deputies and Big Rapids Fire Department, assistance came from Osceola County EMS, Mecosta County Sheriff’s Posse, Big Rapids Police Department, Ferris State University Department of Public Safety, Meceola Central Dispatch, the Mid-Michigan Medical Examiner Group, and towing services including Townline Towing and Currie’s Towing. Their collective efforts ensured the scene was managed with care and precision, even in the face of such a harrowing event.
For the community, the loss of Mark Lewis and Tamyra Northern is a poignant reminder of life’s fragility. As the investigation continues and the highway remains closed for repairs, the focus turns to honoring the memory of those lost. The siblings, bound by family and accompanied by their loyal dog, leave behind a legacy that will linger in the hearts of those who knew them. In Mecosta County, a community grieves, but their resolve to support one another shines through the darkness of this tragedy.
