To view or leave comments on this story, click HERE.
This story has been updated with additional information.
A 22-year-old Traverse City man has been charged with Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death in connection with the August 16 head-on crash on Center Road that killed 17-year-old Wilder Seeburger. The crash occurred about a mile north of Mapleton in Peninsula Township around 10:30 p.m.
Old Mission Gazette is Reader Supported.
Click Here to Donate and Keep the Gazette Going.
Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney Noelle Moeggenberg announced Tuesday that Benjamin Leask, 22, has been charged with the felony. Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Leask’s bond is set at $100,000. The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office also reports that he is not allowed to drive, consume alcohol or drugs, and cannot contact Seeburger’s parents.
According to the prosecutor’s office, law enforcement arrived to find a tan Ford F-250 driven by Leask lying on its side in the roadway. Officers reported detecting an odor of intoxicants coming from the truck.
Seeburger’s Honda CR-V was found facing south in the northbound lane. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators determined that the point of impact was in the northbound lane, according to the prosecutor’s office. Leask was transported to Munson Medical Center following the collision and treated for injuries. The prosecutor’s office also noted there is evidence that Leask consumed alcohol before the crash.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the prosecutor’s office said no additional information was available when the charge was announced.
As of this morning, publicly available information reviewed by the Gazette did not disclose Leask’s blood-alcohol level, bond conditions or whether additional charges are being considered.
Seeburger, a Traverse City Central High School student who was preparing to begin his junior year, was an accomplished soccer player who had played with TBAYS, North Storm and the Traverse City Central soccer program. His obituary remembers him for his energy, kindness, sense of humor and love for his family and friends.
A memorial gathering hosted by Wilder’s friends will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 7:30 to 9 p.m at Open Space Park in Traverse City. All are welcome to attend and share memories of Wilder.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street in Traverse City.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 28, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Traverse City, with visitation beginning at the church one hour prior to the service. Following the funeral, family and friends are invited to a luncheon at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Donations for funeral expenses are being accepted by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Call Reynolds at (231) 947-6347 and they will be able to take a donation over the phone.
Also Read…
To view or leave comments on this story, click HERE.
Great coverage! Way better on this story than any of the other local media.
Thanks so much, John.
Echoes to Mr. Jacobs comments Jane. Very fair and factual reporting. Something we can always count on with the Gazette.
And God bless our first responders and community police officers. Thank our Township Trustees for their foresight in planning for these very important services and thank you fellow citizens for approving the milage expenditures that provide for these services.
Finally, God Bless the family of Wilder Seeburger. That is a loss that is hard for a parent to even conceive of. Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Ever.
Thank you, Rudy. Along with the unfathomable loss of the Seeburger family, I keep thinking about the first responders, many of whom have young kids themselves. My heart and prayers go out to all of them.
Jane—your reporting is always fair, impartial, and very informative! Thanks for your continued dedication to this challenging and important work. And it’s especially difficult in reporting on the tragic and senseless loss of a young neighbor at life’s threshold.
Thanks for the update. This story is important to many members of our community . Other local media haven’t picked up the ball. This is a great example of why we are so privileged to have the high quality journalism offered by the Gazette!