A Michigan couple’s tragic deaths in separate accidents following Christmas leave their community in shock.
At a Glance
- Scott and Mary Lou Levitan, both 66, died in separate accidents days apart
- Scott fell through ice while fishing, was on life support until December 31
- Mary Lou died in a car accident while retrieving her husband’s vehicle
- The couple resided in Livonia, a suburb west of Detroit
- Local authorities describe the events as an “unspeakable tragedy”
Tragic Ice Fishing Accident Claims Husband’s Life
On December 26, Scott Levitan and his 15-year-old grandson ventured onto a small lake north of Detroit for a day of ice fishing. The outing took a devastating turn when the ice gave way, plunging both into the frigid waters. While a nearby resident managed to rescue the grandson, Scott remained submerged until help arrived.
The sheriff’s office reported, “The two had gone onto the ice and were drilling a hole to go ice fishing when the ice gave way, and the grandfather fell into the ice water.” A local resident heroically used a kayak to keep Scott’s head above water until emergency services could reach them. Despite these efforts, Scott was placed on life support and sadly passed away on December 31.
Wife’s Tragic Accident Compounds Family’s Grief
In a cruel twist of fate, as the Levitan family grappled with Scott’s critical condition, another tragedy struck. Approximately 24 hours after Scott’s accident, Mary Lou Levitan, his wife, lost her life in a separate incident. She was believed to be on her way to retrieve her husband’s vehicle when disaster struck.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office reported that a 19-year-old driver crossed into the northbound lane, colliding with Mary Lou’s vehicle. The impact was fatal, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident remains under investigation by local authorities, who are working to piece together the circumstances that led to this devastating accident.
Community Reels from Double Tragedy
The Levitans, residents of Livonia, a suburb west of Detroit, were well-known members of their community. Their sudden and tragic deaths have left friends, family, and neighbors struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the loss. The proximity of the accidents to the holiday season has only intensified the sense of grief and disbelief among those who knew the couple.
“This is an unspeakable tragedy that has befallen this family in a very short time”
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard expressed his condolences, acknowledging the profound impact of these events on the Levitan family and the wider community. As the investigation into Mary Lou’s accident continues, and as the family begins to process their immense loss, the community has rallied to offer support and comfort during this unimaginably difficult time.
