The holiday season of 2022 brought unimaginable heartbreak to the Levitan family of Livonia, Michigan. A series of tragic and unrelated accidents claimed the lives of both Scott Levitan, 66, and his wife, Mary Lou Levitan, also 66, leaving their family and community in mourning. The devastating events began on December 26th, the day after Christmas, when Scott Levitan embarked on an ice-fishing trip with his 15-year-old grandson on Lake George in Addison Township. While drilling a hole in the ice, a common practice in ice fishing, the frozen surface gave way, plunging Scott into the frigid waters below. His grandson, witnessing the horrifying scene, bravely attempted to rescue his grandfather, but the ice fractured again, sending the teenager into the lake as well.
A nearby resident, observing the unfolding crisis, swiftly responded to the desperate cries for help. Using a kayak, the Good Samaritan managed to pull the young boy from the icy grip of the lake. He then retrieved a second kayak and paddled towards Scott, who was struggling to stay afloat. Although unable to extract Scott from the water due to the continuously breaking ice, the rescuer heroically held Scott’s head above water, preventing him from succumbing to the frigid temperatures until emergency services arrived. Both Scott and his grandson were transported to a local hospital, where the teenager received treatment for his injuries and was later released. However, Scott remained in critical condition, placed on life support due to the severity of his exposure to the icy water.
The following day, December 27th, tragedy struck the Levitan family again. Mary Lou Levitan, unaware of the full extent of her husband’s critical condition, was en route to retrieve his vehicle from the location of the ice-fishing accident. As she traveled along an Oakland Township road, an oncoming vehicle, driven by a 19-year-old, veered across the center line for reasons yet unknown and collided with the car in which Mary Lou was a passenger. The impact of the collision proved fatal for Mary Lou, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Her sudden and unexpected death compounded the already devastating circumstances surrounding her husband’s accident.
The news of Mary Lou’s passing was withheld from Scott, who remained unconscious and on life support, fighting for his life. He clung to life for several more days, unaware of the immense loss his family had suffered. On December 31st, New Year’s Eve, Scott Levitan succumbed to his injuries and was removed from life support, joining his wife in death just five days after the initial accident. The double tragedy left their family reeling, grappling with the unimaginable grief of losing both parents within such a short timeframe.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, responsible for investigating both incidents, expressed profound sorrow and disbelief at the series of unfortunate events that befell the Levitan family. Sheriff Michael Bouchard described the situation as an “unspeakable tragedy,” highlighting the rarity and heartbreaking nature of two unrelated fatal accidents occurring within such a short span. The close proximity of the incidents, both geographically and temporally, amplified the sense of shock and grief within the community. The Levitans, a couple known for their kindness and community involvement, left behind a legacy of love and service, their lives tragically cut short by a series of unforeseen and devastating events.
The story of the Levitans serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of fate. Their sudden and tragic deaths during what should have been a joyous holiday season left a void in their family and community. The outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and even strangers reflected the impact the couple had on those around them. As the community mourned their loss, they also celebrated the lives of Scott and Mary Lou Levitan, remembering them for their kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for their family and friends. Their story stands as a testament to the importance of cherishing every moment and the enduring power of human connection in the face of unimaginable grief.
