**Five Years On: Edenville Community Still Seeks Accountability for Dam Failure**
Edenville, MI – Five years after the catastrophic failure of the Edenville Dam, the shadow of adversity looms heavily over the resilient community and its 11,000 residents. The disaster, which decimated Wixom Lake and caused widespread property damage and contamination, has left lasting scars, both physical and emotional.
In a poignant gathering earlier this week, residents shared their stories, many still grappling with the ramifications of the dam’s collapse. Gordy Stryker, a lifelong Edenville resident, recounted the harrowing moment when the dam failed in May 2020, unleashing torrents of water that ravaged homes and infrastructure. “We had no warning, no time to prepare,” Stryker lamented, his voice heavy with emotion. “We lost everything. Now, we’re just trying to pick up the pieces.”
Despite early warnings from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding the dam’s structural vulnerabilities, preventive measures were never implemented, leading to a disaster that locals believe could have been avoided. “Accountability is crucial,” said Chris Stryker, Gordy’s brother, as he surveyed the muddy remnants of what was once his family cottage. “Those responsible can’t just walk away from the destruction they caused.”
As the community’s legal battles continue, with crucial proceedings set for 2026, residents express both frustration and hope. Laura Stryker, another displaced resident, emphasized, “We need answers. We need justice. Our lives were changed forever because of negligence.”
For those in Edenville, time is now an enemy as they wrestle with a painful past and an uncertain future. They unite in a shared call for accountability, determined not to let this tragedy fade into the backdrop of forgotten disasters. As they work to rebuild their lives, their fight for justice remains as fierce as the waters that once swept through their homes.
