2 men killed in Michigan trench collapse ID’d as brothers
(WJXT)
LOWELL, Mich. – Two men who died last week after a trench collapsed in western Michigan have been identified as brothers.
The Bowne Township Fire Department identified the deceased men as Pete Bencker, 59, and Ron Bencker, 68, both from Alto.
Fire Chief Rick Vriesenga said Pete Bencker served 29 years on the Bowne Township Fire Department before retiring last year.
He and his brother were working on a 14-foot (4.27-meter-deep) deep trench that was being dug for drainage where a pole barn was being built when it collapsed Friday in Lowell Township, just east of Grand Rapids.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Man jumps into action to save girlfriend in crash involving teen driver fleeing MSP ▶ 0:22
Man jumps into action to save girlfriend in crash involving teen driver fleeing MSP
5 Things Insurance Says that IS NOT TRUE ▶ 0:26
5 Things Insurance Says that IS NOT TRUE
Parents of college students hit with unexpected car insurance rules ▶ 2:21
Parents of college students hit with unexpected car insurance rules
Community rallies after deadly double shooting involving teens ▶ 0:37
Community rallies after deadly double shooting involving teens
The House of Refuge in Stuart, Florida is still standing after 150 years ▶ 0:16
The House of Refuge in Stuart, Florida is still standing after 150 years
How going back to work could hurt your case ▶ 0:29
How going back to work could hurt your case
$300 brick job turns into $1,129 demand ▶ 0:25
$300 brick job turns into $1,129 demand
Tariffs struck down as unconstitutional, businesses can seek refunds ▶ 1:50
Tariffs struck down as unconstitutional, businesses can seek refunds
Pistons on Game 1 loss to the Magic ▶ 1:04
Pistons on Game 1 loss to the Magic
Savion Hiter, Tommy Carr talk learned experiences with Michigan football ▶ 1:03
Savion Hiter, Tommy Carr talk learned experiences with Michigan football
Michigan Wolverines' Nico Andrighetto want's to return to CFP ▶ 1:01
Michigan Wolverines' Nico Andrighetto want's to return to CFP
WATCH OUT When Insurance Makes a Fast Offer ▶ 1:05
WATCH OUT When Insurance Makes a Fast Offer
Paradise anyone? Join Live in the D all week as April Morton takes you to beautiful Martin Co., Fl. ▶ 0:12
Paradise anyone? Join Live in the D all week as April Morton takes you to beautiful Martin Co., Fl.
Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham talks recovery and nearing 100% ▶ 0:42
Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham talks recovery and nearing 100%
Cade Cunningham talks turn around for Detroit Pistons ▶ 0:43
Cade Cunningham talks turn around for Detroit Pistons
Police chase ends in fatal crash, suspect shot by MSP ▶ 1:52
Police chase ends in fatal crash, suspect shot by MSP
Ever thought about being a welder? Learn more Monday morning on Local 4 News ▶ 0:06
Ever thought about being a welder? Learn more Monday morning on Local 4 News
Things you should NEVER do after an accident ▶ 1:04
Things you should NEVER do after an accident
Southfield police chief talks barricaded situation ▶ 3:48
Southfield police chief talks barricaded situation
What should the Tigers' ballpark be named? ▶ 2:24
What should the Tigers' ballpark be named?
Lawmakers, advocates demanding justice for Krystal Clark ▶ 0:37
Lawmakers, advocates demanding justice for Krystal Clark
Pothole issue in Lincoln Park neighborhood ▶ 0:28
Pothole issue in Lincoln Park neighborhood
Dangerous conditions at Clinton River ▶ 1:21
Dangerous conditions at Clinton River
How the Zipper Merge Helps Reduce Traffic ▶ 1:01
How the Zipper Merge Helps Reduce Traffic
parents want permanent fix after bus crashes into ditch ▶ 2:18
parents want permanent fix after bus crashes into ditch
Previous photo Next photo