Investigation: Pedestrian in September Fatality had BAC of .30

A 60-year-old man who died Sept. 30 after he reportedly fell into path of an oncoming vehicle was “extremely intoxicated” with a blood-alcohol content of .30 and a mixture of three scheduled drugs in his system, Lake Orion Township police said.

Chief Jerry Narsh released the findings of the department’s investigation into the death of Mark Lewis Vance, 60, on Tuesday. 

Vance was reportedly on his hands and knees attempting to gather a spilled 24-pack of beer from the S. Broadway (M24) when he stumbled into the path of a southbound vehicle driven by Scott Stubenaruch, 17, of Oxford. The accident occurred about 8:30 p.m. Sept. 30 as  Vance crossed M24 westbound after purchasing the beer.

“Sadly, this is a tragedy that could have been avoided,” Chief Jerry Narsh said in a news release. “The overwhelming level of intoxication from alcohol and drugs in Mr. Vance’s system allowed for a series of poor decisions that led to this crash. Mr. Vance lost his life and Mr. Stubenrauch will experience the effects of the crash his entire life.”

Stubenrauch, was traveling at or about the posted 35 mph speed limit and was unable to avoid the collision with Vance. Police said Vance was not crossing in a crosswalk, was wearing dark clothing, the road was wet and the area was dimly lit.

After review, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office said it will not pursue charges against Stubenrauch, who stopped to render aid after the collision. Police said Vance was not crossing in a crosswalk, was wearing dark clothing, the road was wet and the area was dimly lit.

Witnesses reported seeing the victim stumbling into traffic moments before the collision.

Another motorist traveling in the same direction as Stubenrauch told police that he didn’t see Vance in the roadway until just before the collision.

Before the collision, police received a 911 call about a man walking in the roadway near the Valero gas station at 415 S. Broadway (M24). The caller said the man was walking in and out into the roadway from the sidewalk, and was concerned that he might get hit.