Ashley Stopczynski obituary, death, a 33-year-old music teacher from Columbus East, IL, has tragically passed away in a car accident in Michigan. The accident occurred on Scottville Road, north of Conrad Road, and involved a head-on collision between a Ford Expedition SUV and a Ford F-150 pickup truck towing a pontoon boat. Ashley was pronounced dead at the scene, while her father, Carl “Fuzzy Bear” Stopczynski, 61, and grandmother, Melinda Gocza Stopczynski, 67, sustained serious injuries.
Ashley was a beloved member of her community, known for her exceptional talent as a singer and her academic achievements. She graduated with honors from Saint Mary’s College (SMC) and was a cherished member of the student choir, Belles Voix. Her passion for music was evident to everyone who knew her, and her voice brought out the best in the choir’s instrumentation and harmony.
The accident has left the community reeling, and authorities have stated that drunk driving, drug use, or distracted driving are not suspected factors in the crash. The 16-year-old driver from Scottville, operating the Ford Expedition, veered off the road and collided head-on with the F-150 carrying the Stopczynski family.
All four individuals involved in the crash were rushed to Corewell Health Ludington Hospital due to the severity of their injuries. Following initial treatment, the three victims from the F-150 were transferred to a trauma center in Grand Rapids for further care.
Ashley’s untimely passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her kindness, skill, and joy made her a well-liked and respected member of the SMC and Belles Voix communities. Her memory will continue to live on through the music she loved and the lives she touched during her time at Saint Mary’s College and beyond.
The Stopczynski family’s lives were forever altered by this tragic accident, and the outpouring of support from the community has been a testament to the impact Ashley had on those around her. As the community mourns the loss of Ashley, they also extend their thoughts and prayers to Carl and Melinda Stopczynski, who are still recovering from their injuries.
Ashley’s legacy will live on through her music and the countless lives she touched. Her time at Saint Mary’s College and her involvement with Belles Voix had a profound impact on her life, and she often credited her experiences
