Two Dead in Chicago-Mackinac Race

Two sailors died early this morning during the 103rd Annual Chicago-to-Mackinac Race when a severe thunderstorm sent wind speeds into the 50s. The Kiwi 35 WingNuts was reported capsized around 12:40 a.m. by nearby competitor Sociable, whose crew ended up rescuing six of the stricken boat’s eight crewmembers. Sadly, owner Mark Morley, 51, and Suzanne Bickel, 40, didn’t make it to the surface, and the Coast Guard recovered their bodies several hours later. Morley had six Mackinacs under his belt and Bickel two.

Though a number of boats have been damaged or lost during the 289-mile race, according to the sponsoring Chicago YC, these are the first deaths ever to occur due to weather or accident.