**Edenville, MI – Community’s Fight for Accountability Five Years After Dam Failure**
Five years after the catastrophic failure of the Edenville Dam, the echoes of that disaster still resonate through the hearts of the Wixom Lake community. On that fateful day in May 2020, what was once a serene landscape transformed into chaos, as over 11,000 residents witnessed the destruction of their homes and livelihoods. Today, residents like Gordy Stryker and locals Chris and Laura continue to grapple with the consequences of the disaster while fervently seeking accountability.
Warnings from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) about the dam’s structural vulnerabilities had been ignored for years, a negligence that would later lead to wide-scale devastation. The community now faces not only the physical destruction of their beloved lake and properties but also the emotional toll of ongoing uncertainty and loss. Contamination of local water sources has compounded their struggle, leaving many residents wrestling with health concerns that linger long after the floodwaters receded.
As the community reflects on the past, eyes are set toward the future, with legal proceedings anticipated to commence in 2026. Residents hope that the courts will provide answers and justice for the sufferings they have endured. “It feels like we’re still trapped in 2020, with no end in sight,” Gordy reflects. “We want accountability—not just for us, but for future generations.”
Despite the challenges, resilience remains the heartbeat of the Edenville community. Neighbors rally together, sharing resources and support, determined not to let their voices fade. As they rebuild both physically and emotionally, they are united in a common quest: to ensure that such a tragedy never repeats itself. The fight for accountability is far from over, but Edenville stands firm, its spirit unbroken amid the shadow of loss.