Friends tried to save Oakland University student, 18, killed in accident

An 18-year-old Oakland University freshman from Macomb County died in a snowmobile crash this weekend.

Eric Pauli died Sunday in Higgins Lake, according to his uncle, Tom Schaffer of Shelby Township.

“He was a great kid, full of life,” said Schaffer, calling the crash a tragic accident. “He was with his friends, and it was truly just an accident. They did everything they could, and he didn’t make it.”

Schaffer said the family has received overwhelming support from the community.

Visitation is 2-9 p.m. today at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 54880 VanDyke Shelby Township. A funeral mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 18201 23 Mile Road, Macomb Township.

A press release from the Roscommon County Sheriff’s Office said poor conditions and limited visibility appear to have been contributing factors in the crash. Several snowmobiles had been traveling together when Pauli was thrown from his snowmobile. He was taken to a Saginaw hospital, where he died of his injuries.

Oakland University said in a statement posted on its website that Pauli came to Oakland University from Dakota High School in Macomb County, outside Detroit. He was a member of the Golden Grizzlies Band. Band director Kenneth Kroesche says Pauli's "infectious enthusiasm and fun-loving personality were often displayed during performances."