What should have been a weekend of birthday cake and celebration ended in unthinkable loss for a Clinton Township family, after a violent crash at Metropolitan Parkway (16 Mile Road) and Groesbeck Highway on Sunday, claimed the life of 9-year-old Riley Chaney and critically injured her mother, 35-year-old Sara Chaney. Riley had turned nine just the day before.
Relatives said the small blue car the two were riding in was left “a terrible mess” after the collision. Sara suffered internal injuries and multiple broken bones, while Riley did not survive, according to WXYZ. Cousin Andrew Consiglio told reporters, “I still can’t believe it’s real,” adding that the family is gathering to pray as Sara remains hospitalized. Relatives have also asked for privacy as they grieve and begin making arrangements.
Family Fundraiser And Community Response
To help shoulder mounting medical bills and funeral costs, the family has started a GoFundMe campaign that had raised more than $12,000 toward a $30,000 goal at the time of reporting. The fundraiser, organized by Consiglio, notes that the crash happened on Sunday at 16 Mile (Metro Parkway) and Groesbeck, that Sara has already undergone multiple surgeries, and that Riley died just one day after celebrating her birthday, according to GoFundMe. Neighbors and community members have been posting tributes that remember Riley as a bright, happy child who loved simple pleasures and seemed to light up every room she entered.
Groesbeck Highway Safety Concerns
Groesbeck Highway is a heavily traveled Macomb County corridor that has seen several serious crashes this winter, including a February head-on collision that killed two people, highlighting ongoing safety concerns along the route, according to FOX 2 Detroit. Residents say Riley’s death has sharpened calls for tougher traffic enforcement and possible engineering changes at problem intersections in the area. Friends, neighbors, and relatives have been left to mourn a child they describe as joyful and full of life.
As of late Tuesday, Clinton Township police had not released a formal report on the crash. Family members told reporters they believe a medical emergency suffered by the other driver likely triggered the collision, as reported by WXYZ. Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has video of the incident to contact Clinton Township detectives at 586-493-7802. This story will be updated as authorities and the family share additional details.
