WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — A close family member has confirmed the identity of the 6-year-old girl killed in a crash at Highland Road (M-59) and Airport Road in Waterford Township on Wednesday.
The mother of the young girl told 7 Action News on Sunday that the four-vehicle crash also claimed her husband, Nick's life. Their 6-year-old daughter, Riley, died as a result of her injuries after being rushed to the hospital, alongside her father.
The initial investigation revealed a 28-year-old Waterford man was driving a white 2016 Hyundai Sonata westbound on Highland Road at a high rate of speed, according to police.
The Hyundai rear-ended a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, causing the Chevrolet to strike a 2018 Ford Fusion that was stopped directly ahead. Both vehicles were stopped for the red light in the curb lane at Airport Road.
The fourth vehicle, a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica, was in an adjacent lane and sustained minor damage and no injuries to the occupants.
Police say just prior to the accident, the Hyundai had been reported as a reckless driver, last seen near Scott Lake Road and Pontiac Lake Road, and officers were in the area attempting to locate the vehicle.
The driver of the Hyundai, Trevor Duncan Taylor, was taken to a local hospital and was admitted with non-life-threatening injuries. He is under arrest for his role in the crash and it appears alcohol was a factor.
He has been charged with the following: Murder, 2nd Degree; Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death; Reckless Driving Causing Death Count; Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Injury Count and Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment of a Body Function.
His bond was set at $1 million.
Investigators say they will present the facts of this incident to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s office for their review and expect the Hyundai driver to be charged.
Family members set up a GoFundMe to help with the wife and mother of Nick and Riley purchase a new vehicle. Both cars were lost in the crash.
