Track worker dies in Owosso Speedway accident
By 6 News Web Staff Published: September 26, 2016, 2:22 pm Updated: September 26, 2016, 2:28 pm
OWOSSO, Mich (WLNS) – A track worker trying to divert race cars from an on-track accident has died after he was struck by a race car early Sunday morning.
According to the Michigan State Police the accident happened just after just before 12:20 a.m. Sunday at the Owosso Speedway on the 7200 block of West M-21.
Investigators tell 6 News the track worker was standing on the track and attempting to slow traffic because of an earlier crash.
He was struck by one of the race cars.
The man was airlifted to Sparrow Hospital where he died.
The accident is still being investigated and the victim’s name has not been released.
========
Track worker struck and killed during race at Owosso Speedway
Christopher Haxel, Lansing State Journal
4:37 p.m. EDT September 26, 2016
MIDDLEBURY TWP. - A track worker was struck by a race car during a race at Owosso Speedway early Sunday morning and later died at a hospital, officials said.
Michael Anthony Niebrzydowski, 49, was hit at 12:17 a.m., said Lt. Dave Kaiser, a spokesman for the Michigan State Police.
Witnesses told police Niebrzydowski was standing on the track and attempting to slow race traffic for an unrelated crash when he was struck by a vehicle, Kaiser said.
Niebrzydowski was airlifted to a hospital and later pronounced dead, Kaiser said. He was not immediately able to provide further information about the crash or investigation.
A man who answered the phone Monday at Owosso Speedway declined to comment.
The racetrack posted the following statement on its website: "Owosso Speedway is deeply saddened by the loss of Mike Niebrzydowski. Mike has been a prominent member of the racing community for years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all friends and family members. May he rest in peace with our Lord and Savior."
The racetrack, at 7204 W. M-21 in Shiawassee County, is a 3/8 mile banked, paved oval with a seating capacity of 3,500, according to its website.