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Pedestrian fatal probe: Arby’s owner dressed in black when struck
By Michael Jones, HT Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 2:13 AM EDT
CHESTER TWP. — The owner of the Gaylord Arby’s died Saturday night in a fatal pedestrian crash Saturday on M-32 near Big Lake Road.
Sheriff Jim McBride said deputies from the Otsego County Sheriff’s Dept. (OCSD) have forwarded to the prosecutor a copy of their accident report detailing their probe into the death of 54-year-old Gaylord resident Robert Frank Wizinsky.
The sheriff indicated the report did not include a recommendation on whether criminal charges should be forthcoming against the driver who struck Wizinsky on M-32 east of Gaylord.
McBride said Wizinsky, dressed in darking clothing, was killed around 10 p.m. as he attempted to cross M-32 and was struck by a westbound 1999 Pontiac station wagon driven by Johannesburg resident Kay Beth Schirmer, 53. Neither Schirmer nor her two passengers reportedly were injured.
Wizinsky was pronounced dead at the scene. The Otsego County EMS/Rescue and the Charlton Township Fire Dept. responded to the accident scene with assistance from troopers from the Gaylord Michigan State Police post.
Sheriff Jim McBride said deputies from the Otsego County Sheriff’s Dept. (OCSD) have forwarded to the prosecutor a copy of their accident report detailing their probe into the death of 54-year-old Gaylord resident Robert Frank Wizinsky.
The sheriff indicated the report did not include a recommendation on whether criminal charges should be forthcoming against the driver who struck Wizinsky on M-32 east of Gaylord.
McBride said Wizinsky, dressed in darking clothing, was killed around 10 p.m. as he attempted to cross M-32 and was struck by a westbound 1999 Pontiac station wagon driven by Johannesburg resident Kay Beth Schirmer, 53. Neither Schirmer nor her two passengers reportedly were injured.
Wizinsky was pronounced dead at the scene. The Otsego County EMS/Rescue and the Charlton Township Fire Dept. responded to the accident scene with assistance from troopers from the Gaylord Michigan State Police post.
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McBride said initial reports from deputies indicated Schirmer was traveling around 55 mph at the time of the accident and that Wizinsky had been wearing a black shirt and jeans as he attempted to cross the roadway from the north side of M-32. A red jacket was found near Wizinsky.
The sheriff said Wizinsky lived on Island View Road on Big Lake, approximately a half mile from the accident scene. McBride said he did not know what Wizinsky was doing on M-32 when the accident occurred. Deputies’ reports indicate a relative had recently dropped the Gaylord man off at his home before the accident, though they offered no time frame, said McBride.
A longtime member and volunteer with the Eagles Lodge in Gaylord, Wizinsky also owned Arby’s restaurants in Petoskey, Cheboygan and Sault Ste. Marie. He had owned the Gaylord location since 1984, the same year he moved here.
The sheriff said Wizinsky lived on Island View Road on Big Lake, approximately a half mile from the accident scene. McBride said he did not know what Wizinsky was doing on M-32 when the accident occurred. Deputies’ reports indicate a relative had recently dropped the Gaylord man off at his home before the accident, though they offered no time frame, said McBride.
A longtime member and volunteer with the Eagles Lodge in Gaylord, Wizinsky also owned Arby’s restaurants in Petoskey, Cheboygan and Sault Ste. Marie. He had owned the Gaylord location since 1984, the same year he moved here.
2 comment(s)
scottymd wrote on May 1, 2008 6:16 AM:
" " For those who did not know Robby...I can just tell you what I know...
Robby was a friend to everyone. He always made you feel welcome, whether at his home, or out with a group of people. He was always there to help, and many times volunteered at the Eagles. He was a philanthropist in the community as well.
Robby was a very special part of many folks lives here in Gaylord. He was the kind of guy that you'd definitely remember if meeting him for the first time. Just having Robby around made any event or occasion that much more memorable.
I know I can speak for many of the folks that knew Robby, when I say, you will be sorely missed Robby. We thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life. Our hearts go out to his family, but they know that already. We are here for you. " "
Robby was a friend to everyone. He always made you feel welcome, whether at his home, or out with a group of people. He was always there to help, and many times volunteered at the Eagles. He was a philanthropist in the community as well.
Robby was a very special part of many folks lives here in Gaylord. He was the kind of guy that you'd definitely remember if meeting him for the first time. Just having Robby around made any event or occasion that much more memorable.
I know I can speak for many of the folks that knew Robby, when I say, you will be sorely missed Robby. We thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life. Our hearts go out to his family, but they know that already. We are here for you. " "
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alpine wrote on May 8, 2008 10:13 AM: