Man enters guilty plea in fatal accident

A Gwinn man has entered a guilty plea for his role in a fatal hit–and–run accident.

Luke Huotari, 31, was to go on trial next Tuesday in Marquette County Circuit Court.  He was charged with two counts of leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, causing serious injury or death.

A Marquette couple was walking to Lake Superior to watch the city’s July 4th fireworks display when they were hit by a vehicle on South Front Street in Marquette.

The driver left the scene, and Huotari is accused of being the driver.

Karin LaChapell died from her injuries.  Her  husband, Bryan, survived the accident.

Huotari will be sentenced February 15th.