ALPINE TWP., Mich. — A man suspected of driving drunk causing a crash that killed a teen this weekend is now charged.
Ted Vandenbrink, 39, was arraigned Monday on charges of operating while intoxicated causing death, a 15-year felony. Investigators say Vandenbrink's blood alcohol content was more than the .08 legal limit when his vehicle hit a minivan.
Megan Cook, 17, was a passenger in the back seat of the minivan, her parents were driving. The impact forced the minivan into the intersection of 6 Mile Road and Fruit Ridge Avenue where it was struck by another oncoming vehicle.
Cook was pronounced dead at the scene. Her parents and other drivers involved were not seriously injured.
Loved ones started this GoFundMe page for Cook, while many share their condolences and remember her across social media.
This is the second deadly car crash at this intersection in the last five weeks, after a 16-year-old girl was killed. FOX 17 spoke with officials in the Alpine Township clerk's office regarding many residents' calls for changes and added safety like rumble strips at this intersection. Officials said there is no discussion for traffic changes on any board agenda; however, they said "this could change," as it is a transitional time for the township with their new supervisor beginning Nov. 21.
The judge set Vandenbrink's bond at $100,000, and will be back in court Nov. 28 for his probable cause hearing.
