Aunt of boy swept off pier shares about his life

When 12-year-old Lane Frame and his family set foot on a Lake Michigan pier last Monday, they were not aware of the danger it would bring.

The boy, his aunt and another 11-year-old child were all swept off the pier by a large wave, according to the Benzie County Sheriff’s Office. While his aunt and the other child were able to escape to safety, Lane disappeared under the waves.

His body was recovered by divers Wednesday morning.

Lane and his family were visiting Frankfort, Michigan, on vacation from their home in Manchester, Tennessee. His aunt Fhonda Hatmaker was not on the trip with the family, but traveled to Michigan to join them as the search got underway.

“He always wanted to be a police officer,” she told the Tennessean on Thursday. “He was a big help to my mama. He’s a good kid. He loves Star Wars and skateboards. He just had the best laugh. He’d always make you laugh and smile, no matter what.”

She said her mother, Debbie Frame, raised Lane and three of his brothers.

COMMUNITY RALLIES SUPPORT; FAMILY WANTS TO SEE MORE SAFETY MEASURES

Hatmaker said her family members were shocked at how dangerous Lake Michigan became that day.

“When we think of a lake, we think of Normandy,” she said, referring to a small lake near Manchester.

She said her family’s walk on the pier started out peacefully, then suddenly the wave came and it all changed.

“My brothers and sisters didn’t know,” Hatmaker said, her voice cracking with emotion. “We’re just country folk from Tennessee.”

She said the family plans to work with Frankfort officials to add safeguards to the pier so that people unfamiliar with the conditions on Lake Michigan are aware of the risks. Though they have not made any plans yet, she said they were thinking of asking for railings or clearer signage warning those entering pier.

Hatmaker said people rallied to support the family, offering everything from lodging to visitation arrangements. She said Crystal Mountain Resort in Benzie County provided lodging for some of the family. Others launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with travel and funeral expenses.

“The community of Frankfort just wrapped their arms around us and showed us so much love,” Hatmaker said. “They were incredible.”

Funeral arrangements for Lane still are pending.