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Family Seeks Tips in Bicyclist’s Death, Funds for Funeral Expenses (video)
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 13, 2016)
Ferndale, MI – The mother of 49-year-old Michael Proxmire spoke to the media on Monday about her son’s death.  Marie Winekoff of Royal Oak cried as she sat on camera with Ferndale Police Sgt. Baron Brown and asked that anyone with information come forward.
“He laid there in the dark by himself,” she said.  “I need help.  Please. Anybody.”
Proxmire was found lying in east bound 10 Mile Road Friday night.  Police believe he was struck by a car sometime between 10:30 pm and 11:52 pm.  His bicycle was found undamaged on the sidewalk nearby. When police received the call about his body, they and Ferndale Fire Rescue came quickly and attempted first aid.  Proxmire was taken to Beaumont Hospital and pronounced dead.
“He was very caring and helpful to everybody. Anybody could ask him to do anything and he would do it, and I’m not just saying that because he’s my son.  That’s the type of person he was,” Winekoff said.  She said that Proxmire had just moved out of her house to where he was living in Madison Heights.
The video below (and picture above) is courtesy of Ferndale Police:

Sgt. Brown told reporters “We are interested in talking to a younger white male who was driving a red [Ford] Mustang who was seen in the area.”  He said that police are unsure if the driver was involved, only that he was in the area and may have information.
Proxmire’s family has set up a Go Fund Me page to help raise money for funeral expenses.  “My brother was a kind hearted soul, never hurt anyone and found the good in everyone, He was a devoted animal lover and would give up a meal if it was between him and his dogs eating.  He has lost so much in the last 2 years but never even considered giving up on his dogs.  Thru family we have found loving homes for his furbabies,  I would like to have a restful place for him, I know that without the gracious help of the community this will not happen,” his sister Vickie Lynn Proxmire-Ransbury  wrote in the fundraiser’s description.  Those who want to donate may do so at https://www.gofundme.com/michaels-medical-funeral-expence.
Anyone with information on Michael Proxmire’s death is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-773-2587.  There is a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible.
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Note:  People have been inquiring if the victim is related to Oakland County 115 News Publisher Crystal Proxmire. Michael is Crystal’s ex-husband’s relative that Crystal did not know.  We are sorry for the family’s loss.