Chad DuShane's family remained in a state of shock and disbelief Tuesday morning, two days after the 26-year-old Spring Lake man was killed when a large tree limb fell on top of his car.

"He had his full life ahead of him, but God chose to take my son's life now, and I have to believe it was for a reason," said his mother, Nina DuShane. "We are blessed that he went instantly."

DuShane was driving east on River Street in his Pontiac G6 at around 2:04 p.m. Sunday when a 2-foot-wide limb fell from a tree on the south shoulder of the road and crushed the car. It killed DuShane on impact, police said.

A passenger in the car, Kathleen Tyer, 26, was taken by ambulance to North Ottawa Community Hospital where she was treated and released.

Tyer, who lives in Fenton, was DuShane's fiancee. The couple were making plans for a wedding at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spring Lake.

Nina DuShane said Tyer, a teacher at Hartland High School, has recovered from her injuries is "doing as well as she can."

A 2000 Spring Lake High School graduate, Chad DuShane earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and business from Grand Valley State University in 2005. He enjoyed golfing and traveling soccer, and earned awards in tennis and soccer. His mother said he was "very goal-oriented."

"He knew what he wanted out of life," Nina DuShane said. "He was a very caring, loving, funny and witty person. He made everyone smile and laugh."

Chad DuShane is survived by Tyer; his parents, Al and Nina DuShane; and two brothers, Matt (Caren) DuShane of Spring Lake and Carl (Shannan) DuShane of Allendale.

The funeral Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary's. Visitation is 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Spring Lake.

Memorials may go to Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan or the Spring Lake High School Athletic Department.