NEW ERA, MI — Many are grieving the loss of Cindy Lewis, the beloved owner of Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo, who passed away Sunday following a tragic accident at the business she helped build and grow.
According to the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the farm early Friday morning, July 4, after receiving a report that a woman had been struck by a vehicle and was trapped underneath it in the parking lot. First responders arrived at the scene around 7:45 a.m. and found that Cindy Lewis, 56, had already been extricated. Authorities say the vehicle was driven by a 61-year-old employee from New Era who did not see Lewis while entering the parking lot.
Lewis was first transported to a local hospital in Muskegon, then later airlifted to Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, where she passed away on Sunday.
The Oceana County Prosecutor’s Office will review the case, and no evidence of drugs or alcohol is suspected, according to the sheriff’s department.
In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, tributes have poured in for Lewis, a dynamic leader and cherished member of the community. Sheriff Craig Mast shared condolences on behalf of the sheriff’s office:
“Mrs. Lewis was a positive, energetic pillar of our community, integral in the continued growth and development of the family business. We extend our deepest sympathy to the entire Lewis family. This is a tragic loss for our community and we know it will affect many beyond it. Please keep the Lewis family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate these difficult days.”
Cindy Lewis was not only a business owner but also a visionary. Through her leadership and warmth, Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo became a destination for families across West Michigan—a place where children fed goats for the first time, where fall memories were made in orchards and pumpkin patches, and where joy and laughter echoed across the grounds.
She leaves behind a legacy of hard work, family, and community spirit that will not be forgotten.
For an official statement from Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo, see here.
CatchMark Community extends its deepest condolences to the Lewis family, their staff, and all who have been touched by Cindy’s life and work. We are holding you in our hearts.
