In the quiet town of Petoskey, Michigan, a heartbreaking incident has left a community grappling with grief and questions about safety. On a seemingly ordinary Sunday afternoon, June 1, 2025, 83-year-old Donald Paul Mitas from Saginaw lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in the bustling Walmart parking lot. The tragedy, which unfolded around noon, has cast a somber shadow over this close-knit northern Michigan community, prompting calls for greater attention to pedestrian safety in busy commercial spaces.
Donald Paul Mitas, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, was known for his warm smile and kind demeanor. A regular visitor to Petoskey, he was navigating the Walmart parking lot when a vehicle driven by 24-year-old Erin Nichole Hay of Alanson struck him. Deputies from the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office responded swiftly to the scene, finding Mitas gravely injured. Emergency personnel rushed him to McLaren Northern Michigan hospital, where medical staff fought to save his life. Despite their efforts, Mitas succumbed to his injuries the following day, June 2, leaving his family and community in mourning.
Sheriff Matt Leirstein, in a statement that resonated with compassion, expressed the department’s condolences: “We extend our deepest sympathies to the Mitas family during this difficult time.” The driver, Hay, remained at the scene and has cooperated fully with authorities. Early investigations have ruled out drugs and alcohol as factors in the crash, providing some clarity but leaving many questions unanswered. No charges have been filed as the sheriff’s office continues its meticulous investigation, which includes reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together the moments leading to the accident.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation in Petoskey about the safety of pedestrians, particularly elderly individuals, in high-traffic areas like retail parking lots. The Walmart parking lot, a hub of activity with vehicles and shoppers converging, is now under scrutiny. Residents have voiced concerns about the lack of clear pedestrian pathways, inadequate signage, and the challenges faced by those with mobility limitations. Elderly shoppers, who may move more slowly or have difficulty reacting to fast-moving vehicles, are especially vulnerable in such environments. Community members are urging local officials and businesses to consider safety enhancements, such as designated crosswalks, speed bumps, or even increased lighting to improve visibility.
This tragedy is not an isolated event in Michigan, where parking lot accidents have claimed lives in recent years. In 2022, a woman in Kalamazoo was intentionally struck and killed in a Walmart parking lot, a stark reminder of the potential dangers in these spaces. While the Petoskey incident appears to be accidental, it underscores the need for heightened awareness among drivers and pedestrians alike. The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with information about the June 1 incident to come forward, hoping to uncover details that could prevent future tragedies.
As Petoskey mourns the loss of Donald Paul Mitas, the community is reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance in everyday settings. Mitas’s memory lives on through the stories shared by those who knew him—a man whose presence brought warmth to those around him. His death serves as a poignant reminder that even routine outings can carry unforeseen risks, urging both drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution and care in shared spaces. The investigation continues, with the hope that answers will bring closure to a grieving family and guide efforts to make Petoskey’s public spaces safer for all.
