Rose Township Man Survives Life-Threatening Motorcycle Crash

A 22-year-old Rose Township man suffered multiple life-threatening injuries and is “lucky to be alive” after a scary motorcycle crash on Grange Hall in Holly Township Friday night.

Michael Johnson drove his Harley-Davidson Sportster 48 west on Grange Hall Road just west of Fish Lake Road around 5:45 p.m. Friday when a GMC SUV struck him from behind at a high rate of speed, according to family members. The motorcycle then became wedged under the front end of the SUV, with Johnson still on it, and was pushed more than 200 feet, the family said.

Michigan State Police Flint Post trooper Rick Jones said both drivers were transported to the hospital with multiple injuries. He said the crash remains under investigation and police are waiting on toxicology reports to determine if the driver of the vehicle had alcohol or anything else in his system, Jones said.

Jones said he had no other details on the crash and referred another state trooper, who did not return phone messages.

Johnson’s Uncle, Jeff Wells, said the 22-year-old suffered four broken vertebrae in his back, a fracture neck, a fractured skull, several broken ribs, a broken leg and a torn ACL after Johnson smacked the hood of the SUV and fell back onto the motorcycle.

Wells said Johnson was released from the hospital Wednesday evening in a body brace.

“It’s a miracle he lived,” Wells said. "He's lucky to be alive”