As the Monroe County community grapples with the aftermath of a deadly crash, residents are coming together to support the families hit by tragedy. A Detroit News report details plans for a spaghetti dinner fundraiser and a candlelight vigil organized by the Swan Boat Club to aid the victims of a suspected DUI crash that killed two young siblings. The events are a testament to the community's spirit in the face of adversity, with a vigil scheduled for May 19 at Fireman's Park in Newport and another one at the club tonight at 7 p.m.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office identified the young victims as Alanah Phillips, 8, and Zayn Phillips, 4, who were attending a birthday party at the club when a 66-year-old woman allegedly crashed into the gathering. The Detroit News reported that along with the dead, nine others were injured in the incident which has convulsed the local area. To alleviate some of the financial stress on the victims' families, more than $200,000 has been raised through GoFundMe campaigns, including for funeral and medical costs.
Adding to the series of local support, WTOL highlights the efforts of Dan Beazley, a Northville resident who is determined to not just attend but to participate actively in the community's healing by planning a vigil. He has experience in grief support, traveling to tragedies nationwide with a large wooden cross to provide solace to those in mourning.
In a poignant display of solidarity, schools, and local organizations continue to rally behind the affected families. Superintendent Andrew Brodie of Flat Rock Community Schools has extended counseling support for the students and families impacted, as reported by Hoodline. In the statement, Brodie conveyed his condolences, marking a community ready to stand up and provide a cradle of compassion to those struck by the recent events.
Meanwhile, the suspect, who has been released on bond and faces multiple charges including second-degree murder, lived only a short distance from the scene of the crash. The Hoodline quotes a local tavern, Verna's, expressing their grief over the accident, stressing the need for patience during the investigation. As the Monroe County community continues to grieve, it's clear that their unity in the face of tragedy remains unwavering.
