This tragic story unfolds in the days between Christmas and New Year’s, a time typically associated with joy and celebration, but for the Levitan family of Livonia, Michigan, it became a period of unimaginable loss and grief. The series of events began on December 26th, when 66-year-old Scott Levitan embarked on an ice-fishing trip with his 15-year-old grandson on Lake George in Addison Township. Their outing took a devastating turn when the ice beneath them gave way, plunging Scott into the frigid water. His grandson, witnessing his grandfather’s struggle, bravely attempted a rescue, only to fall into the icy lake himself. A nearby resident, observing the unfolding crisis, sprang into action, utilizing kayaks to pull the teenager to safety. While unable to fully extract Scott due to the precarious ice, the rescuer managed to keep his head above water until emergency services arrived. This heroic act, while ultimately unsuccessful in saving Scott’s life, undoubtedly prevented an even greater tragedy.
The chilling waters of Lake George held Scott captive, the biting cold seeping into his bones. He was eventually pulled from the lake, but the damage had been done. He was rushed to a hospital, clinging to life, his body battling against hypothermia and the trauma of the near-drowning experience. The 15-year-old grandson, though traumatized by witnessing his grandfather’s struggle and his own brush with death, thankfully survived the ordeal, receiving treatment for his injuries. He was left to grapple with the emotional scars of the incident, the memory of the cracking ice and the frigid water a constant reminder of the day’s near-tragedy. As Scott fought for his life, connected to life support, his family held vigil, hoping against hope for a miracle.
The following day, as Scott remained in critical condition, his wife, Mary Lou Levitan, also 66, set out on a heartbreaking errand – to retrieve her husband’s vehicle, left behind at the scene of the ice-fishing accident. This simple act of practicality turned into another chapter in this unfolding tragedy. As Mary Lou traveled as a passenger in a car, a 19-year-old driver, for reasons yet unknown, crossed the center line on an Oakland Township road, colliding with Mary Lou’s vehicle. The impact was devastating. Mary Lou, seated in the backseat, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. This second, unrelated accident compounded the family’s grief, transforming their holiday season into a nightmare of unimaginable proportions.
The news of Mary Lou’s death reached the hospital where Scott lay unconscious, tethered to machines that kept his heart beating. The family, already reeling from Scott’s accident, was now forced to confront another devastating loss. The weight of their grief became almost unbearable. On December 31st, just days after his wife’s tragic death, and having never regained consciousness, Scott Levitan was removed from life support. His fight for survival had ended, leaving a gaping hole in the hearts of his loved ones. The double tragedy left the family grappling with the sudden and unexpected loss of both parents, their holiday season indelibly marked by sorrow and disbelief. The 15-year-old grandson, already deeply affected by the ice-fishing accident, now faced the daunting reality of growing up without his grandparents.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, reflecting on the tragic events, expressed his profound condolences to the Levitan family. He described the situation as an “unspeakable tragedy,” acknowledging the rarity and heartbreaking nature of two such unrelated incidents occurring within such a short timeframe. His words, “It’s hard to wrap your hands around it,” captured the sense of disbelief and helplessness that permeated the community. The Levitan family, once anticipating the joys of the holiday season, was now left to navigate the complexities of grief and loss. The outpouring of support from the community underscored the profound impact of this double tragedy.
The story of the Levitan family serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of fate. From a seemingly innocent ice-fishing trip to a devastating car accident, their lives were irrevocably altered in a matter of days. The ripple effect of their loss extended beyond their immediate family, touching the lives of friends, neighbors, and the wider community. The tragic events surrounding the Levitans’ deaths became a somber reflection on the importance of cherishing loved ones and the preciousness of each moment. Their story stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable loss and the enduring power of community support during times of grief.
