NewsLocal NewsLakeshoreMuskegon

Actions

Muskegon County home falls into Lake Michigan

Posted at 12:40 PM, Jan 01, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-02 09:54:54-05

WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A home near Montague has been destroyed after falling into Lake Michigan on New Year's Eve.

Images show the structure sustained severe damage due to beach erosion.

Areas from Muskegon to South Haven have also seen damage due to beach erosion.

Owner of the home, Tish Gancer, says it's been in her family for generations. If you think it looks like it was built too close to the water, it initially wasn't. Gancer says over the years the dunes and beach have eroded away. She tried fixing the problem with the help of contractors the best she could, but it was too late.

“People were using it. The cottage was fine. It was getting closer, but people used it all summer,” Gancer said.

This most recent wind storm brought Gancer's cottage over the edge. She's heartbroken to lose the place that held so many family memories.

Gancer has set up a GoFundMe to help repair her home.

“It’s not a resort, it’s just me, it’s just a family cottage.” she said.