Houghton County Mourns as Two South Carolina Motorcyclists Die on U.S. 41; Charges Filed Against Sze-Wenn Tiang

 HOUGHTON COUNTY, Mich. — The deaths of Raymond Alton Miller, 65, and Kimberly Ann Wooldridge, 36, have brought grief to two South Carolina families after a deadly Aug. 5 collision on U.S. 41 in Osceola Township. Miller was originally from Marenisco, Michigan, while both motorcyclists were living in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Their lives ended during an afternoon drive through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, leaving loved ones to face a painful loss. Their names remain remembered by many.

The Michigan State Police said troopers were called to U.S. 41 near Golf Course Road at about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. Investigators determined that an SUV traveling southbound was approaching a pickup truck that had stopped while preparing to turn onto Golf Course Road. The SUV was driven by Sze-Wenn Tiang, 45, of Houghton, and two children were also inside. The roadway became the scene of a serious sequence of events quickly. The circumstances unfolded quickly that afternoon.

According to investigators, Tiang allegedly did not see the stopped pickup in time and moved into the northbound lane while attempting to avoid it. The maneuver placed the SUV in the path of two motorcycles traveling in the opposite direction. Miller and Wooldridge died there, according to Michigan State Police. The SUV driver and the two children were evaluated by emergency medical personnel and were released from the scene, while law enforcement continued examining what happened. The sudden deaths left families grieving.

The roadway was closed as first responders worked at the scene. Michigan State Police, Houghton County sheriff’s deputies, Mercy EMS, and Calumet Township Fire and Rescue were among the agencies that responded. The early investigation focused on the movements of the vehicles and the circumstances surrounding the roadway encounter. Authorities later forwarded investigative materials to the Houghton County Prosecutor’s Office for review. Those findings became part of the review.

After reviewing the evidence, the prosecutor’s office authorized three charges against Tiang: two counts of moving violation causing death, each a one-year misdemeanor, and one count of operating with no license or an expired license, a 90-day misdemeanor. Tiang was arraigned Aug. 18 in 97th District Court. Prosecutor Dan Helmer said his office consulted with Michigan State Police investigators and members of the victims’ families before the charges were authorized. The charges remain subject to review.

Officials have stressed that the allegations remain allegations and that Tiang is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court. The distinction is important as the criminal case moves through the legal system and investigators continue their work. Court proceedings may provide additional details about the circumstances, while the families of Miller and Wooldridge continue coping with the profound personal impact of their deaths. That process will focus on evidence.

For those who knew Miller and Wooldridge, the legal developments are only one part of a much larger story. Behind the court filings are two people whose families, friends, and communities are now remembering their lives and mourning their absence. Miller’s connection to Michigan and the couple’s home in South Carolina add a personal dimension to a case that has drawn attention in Houghton County. As proceedings continue, those close to both families are left to remember them, support one another, and seek answers through the legal process. Loved ones continue remembering them.