Hunter Dies From Burn Injuries 
2003 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance
A 38-year-old Norton Shores man who accidentally set his clothes on fire while hunting in Oceana County died Saturday in a Grand Rapids hospital, according to the sheriff's department.
Michael George was transported to Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus by medical helicopter from an area of Newfield Township, northwest of Hesperia.
George was wearing a type of camouflage garment over his clothing, made of loose strands of burlap tied to netting, according to Oceana County Sheriff's Department.
"He attempted to light his pipe, and his suit ignited," said Deputy Shane Hasty, adding authorities do not know whether the suit was homemade or manufactured.
George was alone, according to police, and suffered second-and third-degree burns over 90% of his body. Police believe the incident occurred about 1:30 p.m. It was reported at 2:04 p.m.
Hasty said George came out of the woods near 176th Avenue and Buchanan Road carrying his gun, with his clothing burned off and yelling for help.
Two people in the area, one of them a retired Dept. of Natural Resources officer, put George in his car.
Police said the men started to drive the victim to the nearest hospital, Gerber Memorial in Fremont, but at 192 Avenue and Gale Road, they came upon a road construction crew from the Hallack Co. of Hart.
"They called their base on the truck radio, and the base contacted 911," Hasty said.
Hasty said George had gone hunting with a friend, but the friend was back at their hunting camp, and they had last seen each other abnout 8:30 a.m. that morning. Submitted on 11/24/2003
Submitted by:
Elbert F. Black
Reference:
Grand Rapids Press (MI) 11/23
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