Saranac Man Charged in Fatal Crash

OTSEGO COUNTY, MI: On September 20, 2025, at approximately 1:20 p.m., troopers from the Michigan
State Police (MSP) Gaylord Post responded to a personal injury crash on M-32 near Buell Road in Elmira
Township.

A preliminary investigation indicates that a Ford SUV, occupied by a single driver, was traveling
eastbound on M-32 when it crossed the centerline and struck a westbound Dodge pickup truck head-on.

The pickup truck was occupied by four individuals.

The driver of the Ford SUV, a 70-year-old man from Saranac, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and
was transported to a local hospital.

The Dodge pickup truck was driven by a 78-year-old man from Gaylord. The front seat passenger was a
79-year-old man from Plymouth. Two 76-year-old women, one from Gaylord and one from Plymouth,
were seated in the back. The front seat passenger and both backseat passengers were transported to the hospital with critical injuries. The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also transported for medical treatment.

During a search of the SUV, a handgun was located and the owner did not possess a Concealed Pistol
License. The firearm was seized pending prosecutor review. On November 3, 2025, the 76-year-old
woman from Gaylord succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.

The MSP continued its investigation into the cause of the crash. The troopers’ findings were submitted to
the Otsego County Prosecutor’s Office for review. The driver of the Ford SUV has since been identified
as 70-year-old Michael Burlingame of Saranac. He was arrested on February 12, 2026, and lodged at the
Otsego County Jail without incident.

Burlingame was arraigned on February 13 in the 87-A District Court in Otsego County on the following
charges:

1. One count: Operating – While Intoxicated Causing Death 
2. One count: Reckless Driving Causing Death 
3. Two counts: Operating – While Intoxicated Causing Serious Injury
4. Two Counts: Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment of a Body Function
5. One Count: Weapons-Carrying Concealed Weapon
   
   His next court appearance is scheduled for February 19 at 1:35 p.m.
   
   Troopers were assisted by the Seventh District Fugitive Team.