Who is Mandy Benn? Woman who killed 2 Make-a-Wish charity ride bicyclists in head-on crash found guilty of murder
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
IONIA, MICHIGAN: Mandy Benn, a woman accused of driving under the influence of prescription medications, which led to the death of two bicyclists participating in a Make-a-Wish charity ride in Michigan in June 2022, was found guilty on all 15 counts by the jury, including that of second-degree murder, on Friday, October 6.
The ride north of Grand Rapids was tragically cut short due to the accident, which also caused injuries to three more riders. As of now, a sentencing date for Benn, who faces up to life in prison, is yet to be announced.
Allegations of reckless driving against Mandy Benn
Mandy Benn allegedly struck the bicyclists while crossing a center line in an attempt to pass a UPS truck. A witness testified in court, recounting how she saw a body being thrown through the air from her window.
One of the participants in the charity ride, Timothy Kolanowski, described the collision during his testimony, saying, "I went to reach for my face, and my hand came back with blood all over it. We've been hit by this car, and I realized then we need to call 911. There are injuries... the other guys definitely got hit."
During the investigation, an Ionia County sheriff's detective said that the accused appeared disoriented at the crime scene.
Moreover, the detective recounted an unsettling comment from the defendant, stating, "She looked right at me, and she says, 'Wow, officer, that almost looks real.' I was really taken aback by that. It was like she was on a different planet," as per Law&Crime.
During Benn's preliminary hearing, a judge concluded that she had acted with a "wanton and willful disregard of life."
Her defense attorney, Walter Downes, argued that she had consumed only "therapeutic" amounts of medication.
Ed Erickson's legacy: A man who cherished his family and cycling
A family friend of Ed Erickson, Scott Fitzpatrick, expressed gratitude for the community's support, saying, "Yukari (his wife) and the rest of the family are still trying to process what happened but are very grateful for the support."
The victim was described as someone who cherished his family, friends, and cycling. He was known for his dedication to helping others in need and regularly rode thousands of miles each year in support of families facing challenges.
Moreover, the GoFundMe campaign set up in his honor to fund the educational expenses of his two young children, emphasized the importance of granting wishes to children, stating that wishes provide hope, joy, and confidence, replacing fear with optimism.
As per MLive, Erickson wrote on his Make-a-Wish donation page that a "wish shifts the focus from hospital stays, treatments and surgeries."
He added, "It opens up a world of possibilities — where the exciting anticipation of a wish-come-true helps wish kids believe in better days ahead. A wish replaces fear with confidence, sadness with joy, and anxiety with hope. And hope is essential for these courageous children, now more than ever."
Loved ones mourn the death of Michael Salhaney
The obituary for the other victim, Michael Salhaney, described him as a loving father to seven children and a pillar of both his community and his family. It lamented the profound loss felt by the community and his loved ones.
His obituary hailed him as "a pillar in the community and at home."
"Our lives lost the brightest glimmer of light," read the tribute, along with, "Mike dedicated his life to not only the rule of law but fiercely protecting his family and those around him. Love, kindness and integrity is only the beginning to describe Mike. Words cannot and will not describe this immense tragedy and pain felt in the community but, more importantly, at home."