Tragic loss in Michigan

REALTOR® Family Extends Condolences
to Family of Troy VanderStelt
Community fund established for family

The members of the Michigan Association of REALTORS® community are deeply mourning the tragic death of Troy Dennis VanderStelt. VanderStelt, 33, a REALTOR® with Nexes Realty, Roosevelt Park, MI and a member of the West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS® was fatally wounded early Tuesday morning by a former client allegedly disgruntled over a real estate transaction.

To those fortunate to know him, Vanderstelt was kind-hearted, loving and caring. A graduate of Muskegon Community College and Michigan State University, he was a lifelong resident of the Muskegon area, a husband and father, and an active participant at Forest Park Covenant Church.

"Our hearts go out to Troy's family and friends," comments Jeff Young, President of the Michigan Association of REALTORS® and Grand Haven resident. "The loss of a loved one is difficult. This loss is particularly difficult in light of Troy's youth, his exuberance for life, and his devotion to his young family. Every one of us in the REALTOR® community pauses with a heavy heart."

A trust fund designed to help his family into the future has been established. REALTORS® across Michigan are already responding to the Vanderstelt tragedy. "I can't imagine what it would be like for my family to have to endure what his is going through right now," says Broker Owner Chad Brown, Homewaters, LLC, Traverse City. "Our firm is going to donate 3% of our gross commissions for the next year to this fund. I encourage other brokers to make a similar commitment."

Donations can be made online or mailed to the Children of Troy VanderStelt, c/o Community Shores Bank, 1030 W. Norton Ave., Muskegon, MI 49441.