Despite reports that Tom Northrup, 54, a Martin native and local musician, died of injuries he suffered Wednesday in a bicycle accident near Copper Harbor in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, there are people close to the situation who have denied that he has died.
The pastor for Northrup’s family has sent an e-mail stating, “Dear Mr. Young, I am sorry that you have received some incorrect news. But as a journalist I would expect that you would track the information down yourself to make sure that it is credible. I am the pastor where Tom’s family attends and I’m in communication with the family daily. I can assure you that Tom has not died. While the family has made arrangements for organ donation should that event happen, Tom is still alive and we serve a God that works miracles every day. Please respect the family’s privacy during this time.”
Townbroadcast has examined a number of reports on social media from friends of Mr. Northrup that he has left this earth and finds them to be credble. However, the very real possibility exists that he has not yet died, but his prospects of survival from the accident are poor.
Townbroadcast regrets the misunderstanding.
Sgt. Bill Luokkanen of the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s office, said Northrup was riding on Brockway Mountain Road when he lost control of the bicycle on a curve. Grant Township First Responders treated Northrup at the scene and Mercy EMS took him to Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital.
Northrup, who most recently lived in Grand Rapids, was a keyboardist and vocalist. He earned a bachelor’s degree in applied arts from Central Michigan University, specializing in Music Theory/Composition.
He performed in local churches, pubs, outdoor amphitheaters and private businesses. He played in several west Michigan rock, blues, Christian, and country bands.
Most recently he had worked with local favorite “The Bronk Brothers” playing keyboard. He also was experienced in recording, producing and mixing music. He had signed on with Lakeshore Audio.
Sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
I am in shock to learn the sad news. Tom was such a beautiful and genuine person . Such a tragic loss.
Tom Northrup has not died….please remove that incorrect information. He is being kept alive on life support while the organ donation process is complete.
Several sources, people who know him and have been friends, reported that he has been lifted to heaven, so I took that to mean he has died.
The following is a posting from the Bronk Brothers, a group he most recently was playing with: “Today we are incredibly heartbroken to share that our longtime friend Tom Northrup has left this world way too soon after a bicycling accident in the U.P. We’ve shared many adventures with this guy, from touring to Vegas, to Nashville, writing songs, opening for several National Acts (including the B93 Birthday Bash, and opening for Kenny Chesney at the Van Andel Arena.) He was an amazing performer and keyboardist, he was always smiling, always encouraging, a great songwriter, a mentor, and most importantly a guy we are glad to have known as a friend. Words cannot explain how much we are going to miss him. Somethings will never seem real. RIP Tommy – see you in heaven someday, much love our brother!”
There have been other references to him leaving this earth and all post I have seen have referred to him in the past tense.
Dear Mr. Young, I am sorry that you have received some incorrect news. But as a journalist I would expect that you would track the information down yourself to make sure that it is credible. I am the pastor where Tom’s family attends and I’m in communication with the family daily. I can assure you that Tom has not died. While the family has made arrangements for organ donation should that event happen, Tom is still alive and we serve a God that works miracles every day. Please respect the family’s privacy during this time
Praying for a miracle.
Sean, I was the second person on the scene with Tom and his girlfriend. I prayed for him with his girlfriend at the time and administered first aide until the EMT arrived. I hope you keep me updated for I would love to meet up with him and his family or girlfriend again. I asked my friends and family to pray for him without giving out his name. He will be in my husbands and my PRAYERS.
Thanks for being that Angel. I too hope that they update on how Tom is doing. Prayers have been going UP and will contiune to go UP for Tom his girlfriend and the family.
“It is with a heavy heart that we tell you Thomas Elwin Northrup was declared dead August 1, 2016 at 10:37am, Central Daylight Time, Marathon County, Wisconsin. We have lost a brother, an uncle, a constant companion and best friend. We know many of you grieve with us as you have suffered your own loss. Continued prayers for all who deal with this devastating loss. Arrangements will be announced when they have been made. Thank you.
Ron Northrup, Diane Northrup, Amanda Northrup, Matthew Northrup, Stephen Collins, Amy Collins, Ronnie Collins, Kayleigh Collins, Allison Collins, Kristine Tappan”
May God ease your pain everyone of you, and bring us all peace and understanding. We love you Tom! And we know you’re in the presence of the Lord.