Chief Bryan Ferguson of the Glen Lake Fire Department shared in a press release today that on Saturday August 7 at 6:35am the Glen Lake Fire Department and the Cedar Area Fire Department were dispatched to a structure fire at Crystal River Outfitters on River Street (M-22) with visible smoke and flames. The incident was called in by a passing motorist.

The first Glen Lake firefighters arrived at 6:40am and reported active fire. During suppression activities, it was noted that there was a motor vehicle inside the building.

After the fire was brought under control, crews worked for several hours doing salvage and overhaul — including removal of the vehicle — and assisted the owners in salvaging some business-related items.

All fire crews cleared the scene at 12:10pm. The cause of the fire is still under investigation and the Leelanau County Sheriff’s Office is handling further investigation of the incident.

The owners of Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District, which includes Crystal River Outfitters, The Cyclery, M22 Glen Arbor and Coastal, announced via Facebook that in light of the tragic event and fire at their main store Crystal River Outfitters, they have decided to close all businesses today, August 7. All kayak and bike rentals are suspended for today.

The Cyclery, M22 Glen Arbor, and Coastal will reopen Sunday morning at 9am. Follow on Facebook for updates specific to Crystal River Outfitters. Owners Matt and Katy Wiesen shared this message: "Thank you to our first responders. Please keep those affected by this tragedy in your thoughts, and as always we thank our wonderful community for your support."

UPDATE 11:30am, August 8, from the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff’s Office determined that a 2013 Honda Civic had been travelling east on W. River Road (M-22) at a high rate of speed. The vehicle exited the roadway to the right, travelled through an unimproved area along the river before entering the Crystal River Outfitters building and coming to rest. The vehicle sustained significant damage as a result of the crash and subsequently started on fire. Investigators have tentatively determined that the vehicle had been driven by a 19-year-old Suttons Bay man who died at the scene. No one else was in the vehicle at the time of the crash. The crash remains under investigation.