Husband, Wife Killed in Separate Accidents 24 Hours Apart

Loved ones are grieving the loss of two Michigan grandparents, married 40 years, who tragically died in separate accidents just days apart during the holiday season. Scott Levitan and his wife, Marylou Levitan, passed away in late December 2024, leaving their family and friends in shock and devastation.

Fishing Accident

Scott Levitan, 66, passed away on Dec. 31, 2024, five days after an accident in which he and his grandson fell through the ice while ice fishing on Lake George in Addison Township, Michigan.

After Scott fell into the water, his 15-year-old grandson quickly called 911 for help. While trying to rescue his grandfather, the teen also fell into the lake. Luckily, a nearby resident saw what happened and rushed to help. The person was able to pull the teenager back onto the ice and then helped other rescuers get Scott out of the water. According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the accident happened on Dec. 26, 2024, and Scott fought for his life in the days following. He was finally removed from life support on New Year's Eve.

Traffic Accident

On Dec. 27, 2024 — the day after Scott fell through the ice, and while he was still hospitalized — his wife Marylou Levitan, also 66, died tragically in Oakland Township, Michigan. She was riding in the backseat of a Jeep Grand Cherokee when it was struck head-on in a crash when the other car crossed the centerline of the road in Oakland County. The sheriff's office is still investigating the crash. Marylou was on her way to pick up Scott's vehicle after he had gone into the water from the ice-fishing accident, according to PEOPLE.

Outpouring of Grief

The unexpected loss of both grandparents in such a short period has left their family devastated, and their community is mourning with them during this difficult time. Scott and Marylou had been married for 40 years.

Jamie Izzo, who taught alongside Scott at South Lyon Middle School for 20 years, told the station that his longtime friend was "a great friend" and "one of the best human beings I've ever met in my life," according to WXYZ Detroit.

Izzo added, "I got up in the morning, checked that text. It was awful. Awful. And then in the next day or two I got the other text which was unbelievable. That situation where his wife passed away the next day going to get his car."

South Lyon's head football coach, Jeff Henson, shared that when he first came to the school, "I didn't know anybody. Coach Levitan was the first person that kind of befriended me and became one of my biggest supporters," PEOPLE reported.

Remembering Two Beautiful People and Trying to Heal

The tragic deaths of Scott and Marylou Levitan have left their family, friends, and community heartbroken. Investigations into the ice fishing accident and the car accident are still ongoing, as authorities work to understand what happened. While their loved ones continue to mourn, they are also remembering the kindness and impact Scott and Mary Lou had on everyone who knew them.

References: Couple Die Days Apart After Separate Accidents Between Christmas and New Year's Day | Loved Ones Mourn Michigan Grandparents Who Died Days Apart in Back-to-Back Holiday Tragedies: 'Unbelievable' | Loved ones remember Livonia couple lost in double tragedies