Andrzej and Bernardyna Godlewski of Almont were pronounced dead at the scene of this Saturday morning accident on M-53 in Imlay Township when their mini van reportedly lost control and slid into the path of a pickup truck driven by Thomas Romine, 71, of Imlay City. Photo courtesy LAPEER COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT SGT. JASON PARKS

Andrzej Godlewski, 64, and Bernardyna Godlewski, 54, both of Almont, were killed in a Saturday morning fatal traffic crash that injured Thomas Romine, 71, of Imlay City. The deceased couple leaves behind their only child, Elizabeth, 15.

Driver Andrzej and his wife Bernardyna were traveling north on Van Dyke, south of Hunters Creek Road, in a 1995 Pontiac Transport van about 10:10 a.m., said Lapeer County Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Parks. Andrzej lost control on the snowy and slippery roadway. The van turned sideways while crossing the center line and into the pathway of a 1999 Ford F-150 pickup truck driven by Romine.

The couple was pronounced dead at the scene. Romine was transported by Lapeer County EMS to Hurley Medical Center in Flint with non-life threading injuries. On Tuesday, a hospital spokesperson said he was no longer a patient.

The deceased weren't wearing their seat belts. Weather conditions are considered to be a contributing factor in the crash, which remains under investigation by Parks. Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors

Following the tragedy, law enforcement had a difficult time finding Elizabeth, who was spending the evening at a friend's house. The teen, a sophomore at Almont High School, is thought to be left with no family.

A large caring circle of friends and school staff is helping her through the tragedy.

"It's a very difficult situation for the young girl, and our hearts go out to her," said Almont Community Schools Superintendent Steve Zott. "To my knowledge there's not a lot of extended family for support base. She has a lot of friends who are there for her. School counselor Sue Carson has also been helping her."

Parks asked the Lapeer Department of Human Services to help the teen who was unable to make arrangements for her parents because of her minor status. Authorities said the parents of Elizabeth's best friend are helping her.

The situation delayed funeral arrangements, which were being made after press time Tuesday. Phone Muir Brothers in Almont at (810) 798-8225 for information.

Susan Younger may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com