By Meg Peters
Review Co-Editor
Amanda Jackson said her aunt Susan Cummings would light up any room with her smile.
‘She was really selfless, that sums her up. She was really a beautiful person,? Jackson said, now living in Keego Harbor.
Susan Cummings was a Lake Orion resident whose life was tragically taken Saturday, August 8, in a fatal bike crash.
The Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department is still investigating the hit and run accident involving Cummings in Montague Township last week during a charity back ride across Michigan.
According to Detective D.J. Wilson, investigators are following up on leads that have developed over the past few days, including statements given by a lawyer from the southeast Michigan containing possible information on the suspect.
Cummings was only on mile two of a-near-145 mile charity bike ride, the One Day Ride Across Michigan (ODRAM), when a gray or silver truck struck and killed her and the driver left the scene.
‘We are eagerly waiting for investigators to turn it (new information) over so we can start discussing charges,? Wilson said.
The ODRAM route left Montague Middle School and ended at the Bay City State Recreation Area, and cyclists are said to have finished the race in honor of Cummings.
Her family has set up another way to honor the 50-year-old Lake Orion woman, too. The Susan Cummings Memorial Ride, Run or Walk was created to celebrate Cumming’s life and commitment to serving others.
The ride, run or walk will take place at?7 a.m.’from the Stoney Creek Baypoint Beach in Shelby Township. Bikers will complete about three 6.5 mile loops, the first loop in silence and prayer in honor of Cummings. For more information, visit the facebook page Susan Cummings Memorial Ride, Run or Walk.
According to her obituary, Cummings was a devoted mother of three, Karry, Kennie and Kristina, and a grandmother to four grandchildren. She has four siblings, Sandra, Thomas, Shirley and Stephanie.
The crash occurred on Fruitville Road in Montague Township. There were some witnesses who told police that Cummings was headed east and was struck from behind.
Funeral services were held Friday, August 14 at Kensington Community Church in Troy.
Cummings was riding in the ODRAM to raise money for the Hope Water Project, an organization comprised of athletes performing in marathons, bike treks, and other athletic events. The Hope Water Project team raises money to help provide ‘access to clean drinking water in Kenya.
‘We are heartbroken to hear that this occurred while she was serving others by raising money for the Pokot tribe in Kenya,? team members said of Cummings on her Hope Water Project fundraising webpage.?