MI- UPDATE: Family cherishes Halloween memories of child killed in crash

11-3-2008 Michigan:

NEWAYGO COUNTY -- Just two days ago, Lena Ackley's great-grandchildren came to her door to show off their Halloween costumes a day after trick-or-treating.

It's a memory the Hesperia woman will cherish after losing her son and 2-year-old great-grandson, Kyle, in a Sunday crash that killed three people at the border of Newaygo and Muskegon counties.

Scott Ackley, 46, of Hesperia, died in the 11:25 a.m. collision while his wife, Amy, and another grandson, 4-year-old Kaleb, were injured. The driver of the other vehicle, a 16-year-old Muskegon male whom police said crossed the center line in his car, also died.

"Kyle was Batman last night," Lena Ackley said. "He put on his costume to come down and show us."

Ackley said her son was on his way to his in-laws home in the Muskegon area to celebrate his birthday, which was Thursday. The family was planning a dinner.

State police said the 16-year-old, whose name was not released, was driving north on Maple Island Road when his car collided head-on into a minivan driven by Scott Ackley near Ryerson Road. The accident happened a few miles southwest of Fremont.

Police reportedly told Lena Ackley the 16-year-old may have been driving erratically before the collision. Investigators said speed likely was a factor.

Her great-grandson, Kaleb, suffered a broken arm and concussion while her daughter-in-law suffered numerous broken bones and underwent surgery Sunday at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, she said.

Amy Ackley, listed in serious condition Sunday, passed out when told her husband and grandson had not survived the crash.

Scott and Amy Ackley were acting as the guardians of the two grandsons and planned to adopt the children, Lena Ackley said. They adored the children, she said.

Her son worked at the Alcoa Howmet plant in Whitehall, which makes airplane parts. Before that, he worked for the Brunswick Corp. for many years.

Lena Ackley described her son as a hard worker who enjoyed hunting and fishing. In fact, he was bowhunting for deer Sunday morning and was planning on a hunting trip to Texas in December.

Scott Ackley married Amy more than three years ago after a previous relationship. He is survived by four daughters, two brothers and three sisters, as well as his parents, William and Lena Ackley.

Funeral arrangements are pending. ..News Source.. by