Tragedy on State Highway M-35 Shatters a Family and a Community
In the still, early hours of Wednesday morning, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was rocked by a devastating collision that claimed the life of a devoted father and, hours later, his young daughter. At approximately 6:06 a.m., along a quiet stretch of State Highway M-35 in Menominee Township, a pickup truck and a large truck collided with such force that the scene became one of unimaginable grief.
The driver of the pickup, 38-year-old Todd Michael Bronold, was pronounced dead at the site. His two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Palmer Bronold, was critically injured and airlifted to a medical facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Despite the desperate efforts of medical teams, Palmer’s injuries proved fatal, robbing the world of a bright, innocent spirit far too soon.
A Father and Daughter Remembered for Their Love and Light
Todd was known as a hardworking, kindhearted man whose life revolved around his family. Friends describe him as a man who never failed to put others first, someone whose smile could light up a room. Palmer, just beginning to explore the world around her, brought joy not only to her family but to everyone lucky enough to know her. Her laugh, her curiosity, and her boundless energy will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.
The Menominee County Sheriff’s Office has expressed its deepest condolences to the Bronold family, while the local community rallies together to offer comfort and support. Tributes have been pouring in across social media — photos of father and daughter enjoying simple, happy moments, paired with words that speak to the crushing loss felt by so many.
Seeking Answers, Honoring Their Memory
As the Michigan State Police continue to investigate the cause of the crash, accident reconstruction experts are working to piece together exactly what happened in those fateful moments. Authorities have not yet released additional details, but they are urging all drivers to remain vigilant, especially in early morning hours when visibility and alertness can be compromised.
For those mourning Todd and Palmer, the investigation offers little comfort. Their absence leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of family and friends. But amid the sorrow, there is also a shared determination to honor their memory — to drive more cautiously, to cherish every moment with loved ones, and to remember that life can change in an instant.
This tragedy is more than a headline. It is a story of love, loss, and the fragility of the time we have with one another. Menominee Township will not soon forget the morning when two lives, intertwined in love, were lost together.
