The holiday season of 2022 brought unimaginable grief to the Levitan family of Livonia, Michigan, as a series of tragic and unrelated events claimed the lives of both Scott and Mary Lou Levitan, a couple in their sixties. The heartbreaking saga began on December 26th, the day after Christmas, when Scott Levitan embarked on an ice-fishing trip with his fifteen-year-old grandson on Lake George in Addison Township. While preparing for their outing, tragedy struck as the ice beneath Scott gave way, plunging him into the frigid waters. His grandson bravely attempted to rescue his grandfather but also fell through the thin ice, highlighting the precarious nature of the frozen lake.
A nearby resident, witnessing the unfolding crisis, sprang into action. Grabbing a kayak, the Good Samaritan paddled out to the struggling pair. He managed to pull the teenager from the icy water, but the fragility of the ice hampered efforts to rescue Scott. Undeterred, the rescuer secured a second kayak and, though unable to extract Scott from the water, valiantly kept the grandfather’s head above the surface until emergency services arrived. The grandson was treated for his injuries, while Scott was rushed to the hospital and placed on life support, his fate hanging precariously in the balance.
The following day, December 27th, as Mary Lou Levitan was en route to retrieve her husband’s vehicle, another devastating incident unfolded. A nineteen-year-old driver, for reasons yet unknown, crossed the center line on an Oakland Township road, colliding with the car in which Mary Lou was a passenger. The impact proved fatal for Mary Lou, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The sudden loss compounded the family’s already unimaginable grief, transforming the holiday season into a time of profound sorrow.
With Mary Lou gone and Scott clinging to life, the Levitan family faced an agonizing wait. On December 31st, New Year’s Eve, the difficult decision was made to remove Scott from life support, bringing the family’s tragedy to its devastating conclusion. Within the span of just six days, two separate and unforeseen accidents had claimed the lives of both husband and wife, leaving their family and community reeling from the shock and heartbreak.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard expressed the profound sense of loss and disbelief surrounding the events, stating, “This is an unspeakable tragedy that has befallen this family in a very short time. Two tragic and unrelated incidents happen within 24 hours of each other. It’s hard to wrap your hands around it.” The sheriff’s words echoed the sentiments of a community grappling with the incomprehensible loss of two of its members. The Levitan family’s story serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected turns that can transform joy into sorrow in an instant.
The tragic events surrounding the deaths of Scott and Mary Lou Levitan left a deep scar on the Livonia community. The couple, remembered fondly by friends and neighbors, were mourned for their kindness, their contributions to the community, and the love they shared with their family. Their story underscored the importance of cherishing loved ones and the unpredictable nature of life. The outpouring of support for the Levitan family reflected the community’s shared grief and their desire to offer comfort during an unimaginable time of loss. The tragic tale of the Levitans serves as a poignant reminder of how quickly life can change and the importance of appreciating every moment.
