A fatal vehicle accident in Tuscola County has been linked with a missing person alert in Frankenmuth, according to authorities.
Reported missing Friday, 72–year-old Michael Savard of Frankenmuth was last seen around 11 a.m. on November 8, traveling to Bridgeport Township by way of Towerline Road. When he did not return that night, his family reported him missing, as Savard had a medical condition that required regular medication and attention.
Based on pings from his personal electronic devices, search efforts were focused on southwest Tuscola County. The search effort was coordinated by the Frankenmuth Police Department, with support from the Frankenmuth Fire Department Drone Unit, Tuscola County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police Tri-Cities Post, Michigan State Police Aviation Unit, Vassar Police Department, and Millington Arbela Fire Department.
However, around noon on Saturday, November 9, authorities received word that Savard’s vehicle, a white 2023 GMC Sierra pickup truck, was found near the Cass River, south of East Tuscola Road, near the Tuscola County line. Officers responded to the scene, confirming that the pickup did belong to the missing man. Savard himself was found a short distance away from the vehicle, and was unfortunately pronounced deceased at the scene.
The vehicle had been driven through a field off Tuscola Road, with the impact occurring on the Tuscola County side. Tuscola County officials were notified and responded to the scene, initiating an investigation according to their protocols and contacting their medical examiner’s office.
The Tuscola County Sheriff’s Department is the lead agency in the investigation, with assistance from the Frankenmuth Police Department as needed.
