A Michigan woman involved in a crash during the Make-A-Wish charity bicycle ride in 2022 was convicted of second-degree murder and operating under the influence on Friday, October 6, 2023.
Mandy Benn, 43, attempted to overtake a UPS truck and crossed the center line, leading to a head-on collision with a group of bicyclists participating in the event. Two riders, Edward Erickson, 48, of Ann Arbor, and Michael Salhaney, 57, of Bloomfield Hills, lost their lives in the crash.
In addition to the two fatalities, three other participants sustained injuries.
After the incident, detectives observed that Benn appeared disoriented, seemingly unaware of the severity of the accident. Although there were no traces of alcohol in Benn’s system, her slurred speech and inability to follow instructions raised suspicions about potential prescription drug influence.
Despite these findings, Benn’s defense argued that she had only consumed a therapeutic amount of medication prior to the crash.
Both Erickson and Salhaney were active contributors to the event. Erickson was remembered as a devoted family man passionate about cycling and aiding children in need. Similarly, Salhaney’s commitment and contributions to the cause were recognized by community members.
