Hockey ref from Allen Park killed in car crash near Battle Creek
Posted:
Updated:
By Ryan Ermanni, Fox 2 News -
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (WJBK) -
A car crash on I-94 near Battle Creek claimed the lives of three people. Lifelong Allen Park residents 55-year-old William Gatesy, his wife, Dawn, and their 28-year-old son, William, were all pronounced dead at the scene.
The Gatesys along with two others were driving home from a casino in Battle Creek. A preliminary investigation suggests Gatesy suffered an apparent heart attack behind-the-wheel and lost control of the vehicle, which then left the road and went down an embankment before hitting a tree.
"Most of us found out about it this morning," said Robert Bryan. "It's totally disbelief that pretty much a whole family is wiped out in just a heartbeat."
"Known Bill for almost a lifetime," said Mr. Vasquez, operations manager of the Allen Park Recreation Center. "Bill's just a bit older than me, but as a kid playing hockey Bill refereed games that I played in. So I got to know him as a referee and later on as one hell of a person."
Hockey was Bill Gatesy's passion. He was a referee in college, high school and youth hockey in Allen Park. He impacted so many and his loss is felt by everyone.
"You just don't replace a person like that. You move on, you go on, but you just don't replace him. He was one of those irreplaceable kind," Vasquez said. "He was a pretty funny guy. He was a great guy."
"He got along with all the coaches, definitely got along with the kids, and his son was fantastic, his wife was great, and we're going to miss them all," Bryan said.
The two other passengers in the vehicle were taken to the hospital, but their injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:48 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:48:42 GMT
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 8:11 PM EDT2013-05-15 00:11:24 GMT
16-year-old Destiny Henderson, a student at Inkster High School, died Monday in a horrific traffic accident. Her car stopped at a light was hit from behind by a bus.
16-year-old Destiny Henderson, a student at Inkster High School, died Monday in a horrific traffic accident. Her car stopped at a light was hit from behind by a bus.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:39:46 GMT
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:21:55 GMT
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:38:56 GMT
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
