Tragedy in Menominee County: Community Mourns Loss of Father and Young Daughter in Fatal Crash
Menominee County, MI — August 9, 2025 — A devastating tragedy has sent shockwaves through Menominee County and the broader Upper Peninsula community as authorities confirmed the identities of the victims in a fatal crash on Wednesday. The collision, which involved a passenger vehicle and a tanker truck, claimed the lives of 38-year-old Todd Michael Bronold and his 23-month-old daughter, Palmer Bronold.
According to Michigan State Police, the crash occurred in the early afternoon on a rural stretch of highway in Menominee County. Preliminary reports indicate that the Bronold family’s vehicle was traveling westbound when, for reasons still under investigation, it crossed into the path of an eastbound tanker truck carrying non-hazardous materials. Despite emergency responders arriving quickly on the scene, both Todd and his toddler daughter were pronounced dead at the site of the collision.
The driver of the tanker truck was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is cooperating fully with investigators. Authorities have stated that alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors in the crash, though a full accident reconstruction and investigation is ongoing.
A Heartfelt Loss for a Close-Knit Community
The Bronolds were well-known and deeply loved in their community. Todd Bronold, described by friends as a devoted father, husband, and hardworking professional, had a gentle spirit and a contagious sense of humor. A graduate of Northern Michigan University, Todd had returned to the area to raise his family, drawn by the beauty of the Upper Peninsula and the strong sense of community.
His daughter Palmer, just shy of her second birthday, was known for her bright blue eyes and infectious giggle. Family members say she loved music, picture books, and running barefoot through the backyard grass. In a statement released by the Bronold family, they expressed their profound grief:
“Todd was everything a man should be — strong, kind, compassionate, and completely devoted to his family. Palmer was the light of our lives. Losing them both is an unspeakable tragedy. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from our friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Please keep us in your prayers as we try to navigate this unimaginable loss.”
Community Support Rallies in Wake of Tragedy
As word of the accident spread, an overwhelming wave of support has risen across Menominee County and the surrounding region. Friends and neighbors have come together to support the Bronold family in any way they can — from organizing meal trains to launching online fundraisers to help with funeral costs and emotional recovery.
A memorial vigil is scheduled for Sunday evening at the town’s central park, where residents will gather to light candles, share memories, and honor the lives of Todd and Palmer. The local church has opened its doors for grief counseling, and area schools are offering additional mental health resources for students and families affected by the tragedy.
“It’s impossible to make sense of something like this,” said Pastor Elaine Cummings, a longtime family friend. “But what we can do is love each other, hold one another up, and show this grieving family that they are not alone.”
Road Safety Questions Arise
The crash has also reignited long-standing concerns about traffic safety on rural Michigan roads. While the specific cause of this accident has not yet been determined, residents have voiced frustration over visibility issues, narrow shoulders, and a lack of consistent speed enforcement in some parts of the county.
Officials from the Michigan Department of Transportation have indicated they will be reviewing conditions at the crash site and determining if additional safety measures might be warranted.
Remembering Todd and Palmer
In the coming days, the Bronold family plans to hold a private funeral service. They’ve asked for privacy as they mourn, but say they will never forget the love and kindness shown by their community in this dark time.
For those wishing to honor Todd and Palmer, the family has suggested donations in their memory be made to the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum or to organizations that support grieving families and child safety advocacy.
As the community continues to reel from this unimaginable loss, the legacy of Todd and Palmer Bronold will be one of love, laughter, and a deep reminder of how precious and fragile life truly is.
Leave a Reply