The Ferris State Torch

By Dan Hamilton, News Editor

In a car-pedestrian accident that occurred early Friday morning, Fumitoshi Yonemura died after being struck by a vehicle on northbound State street near the IRC building.

Yonemura, 18, was crossing State street at 7:56 a.m., according to the police report, when struck by a red truck. The police report, filed by Sgt. Craig S. Brockette, stated that eyewitnesses confirmed that the vehicle had the green light, and that the walk sign showed a solid red. Yonemura was thrown onto the sidewalk upon collision.

The driver of the vehicle was Richard Weisenberger of New Hudson, Mich. Statements from eyewitnesses also said that there were cars on the inside lane of northbound State street that obstructed the view of both the driver and the pedestrian. The authorities on scene included the Big Rapids DPS and the FSU DPS, among others.

Yonemura, a freshman at Ferris State from Novi, Mich. and member of the FSU Track and Field Team, was later pronounced dead at the Mecosta County Medical Center. He was a student in the biotechnology program.

A statement released by Leah Nixon, assistant director of news services at Ferris, stated that local authorities were attempting to contact the family and friends of Yonemura shortly after he was confirmed dead.

Ferris State University President David Eisler said this is a very sad day for the Ferris family. “I ask that you remember the Yonemura family in your thoughts and prayers,” said Eisler

By: Dan Hamilton, News Editor

A male Ferris student was fatally struck by a car around 8 a.m. on State street near the front of the IRC building.

Photo by Dan Hamilton, News Editor

The student was later pronounced dead at the Mecosta County Medical Center. Public safety officials are currently working to contact the family of the victim.

Local and campus authorities responded to the accident shortly after it occurred. A police officer on the scene confirmed that the accident was fatal. Traffic in the surrounding area was rerouted.

Ferris Department of public safety officials, in addition to local city police worked together on the scene.

Photo by Dan Hamilton, News Editor

Continue to follow the Torch online ferris.edu/torch and twitter.com (@fsutorch) as details of the situation become available.