Fatal ORV Crash Claims Life of 28-Year-Old Beaverton Man in Gladwin County

BEAVERTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A tragic ORV crash in Gladwin County has claimed the life of a 28-year-old Beaverton man.

According to the Gladwin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 4:25 p.m. Monday, August 17, 2026, to the area of McCulloch Road, south of Calhoun Road, in Beaverton Township. The call was in response to a reported personal injury accident involving an all-terrain vehicle.

When emergency responders arrived at the scene, they found that the operator of the ATV had been involved in a serious crash. The victim was identified as 28-year-old Austin McCulloch of Beaverton.

Despite the response of emergency personnel, McCulloch did not survive his injuries sustained in the crash.

The preliminary on-scene investigation indicates that McCulloch had been traveling northbound on McCulloch Road while operating a 2023 Can-Am Outlander 4×4 quad-runner. During the incident, he reportedly lost control of the ATV, resulting in the fatal crash.

Investigators have emphasized that, at this time, there is no indication that another vehicle was involved. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, and authorities have not announced a definitive cause.

The Gladwin County Sheriff’s Office has cautioned against making assumptions while investigators continue working to determine exactly what happened. Officials noted that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional information may be released as the circumstances become clearer.

Members of Beaverton Fire & Rescue responded to assist at the scene, along with medical professionals from MyMichigan Ambulance Service. Emergency responders worked together following the crash as authorities secured the area and began their investigation.

The loss of Austin McCulloch has left family, friends and members of the Beaverton community mourning a life lost in a sudden and tragic incident. A fatal crash can have a lasting impact not only on the immediate family but also on friends, neighbors, first responders and others who knew the person involved.

The Gladwin County Sheriff’s Office expressed its heartfelt condolences to McCulloch’s family during this difficult time. The department also made a strong request for compassion and respect from members of the public, particularly on social media.

Authorities asked people to refrain from posting derogatory or insensitive comments regarding the tragic loss of life. Officials stressed the importance of allowing McCulloch’s loved ones the privacy and dignity they deserve as they cope with their loss.

The investigation into the fatal ORV crash remains active. Investigators will continue examining the scene and available evidence to establish the circumstances that led to the ATV losing control.

No further assumptions regarding the cause of the crash should be made until the investigation has been completed and authorities release additional findings.

As the Beaverton community mourns, thoughts and condolences remain with the family and loved ones of Austin McCulloch, who tragically lost his life in the August 17 crash.

The Gladwin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Beaverton Fire & Rescue and MyMichigan Ambulance Service.

May Austin McCulloch be remembered with peace, dignity and compassion. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss.