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Man killed in accident

HOUGHTON — The oldest of three brothers from Houghton, who were traveling together the day before Thanksgiving, was killed in an accident in Iron County.

John Wheeler, 22, was the front-seat passenger killed in the accident Wednesday. The driver of the car was his brother, Leo Wheeler, 16, who was flown to a Wisconsin hospital where he was listed in critical condition Thursday. The backseat passenger, Toby Wheeler, 20, was admitted to Aspirus Hospital where he was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

“The preliminary investigation determined that the operator of the passenger car failed to negotiate a curve, lost control of the vehicle, crossed over the centerline and collided with the semi-tractor trailer operated by a 58-year-old Iron River man,” according to a press release from the Michigan State Police Iron Mountain Post in which no names were given.

Police said the accident occurred about 1 p.m. Wednesday on Bates Amasa Road, near Paulson Road in Bates Township and the brothers were all wearing seatbelts. Police believe icy, snow-covered roads were factors in the accident.

Iron County Sheriff’s Office, West Iron County Fire Department, Aspirus EMS and Iron County Search and Rescue assisted at the scene.

“The Wheelers are a wonderful, kind and caring family who should not have to deal with this crisis by themselves,” according to the Wheeler Family Relief Fund, a Gofundme account that has raised $6,720 of a $10,000 goal. “Any money towards this cause would be much appreciated.”

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