Young siblings, 5 and 8, killed by alleged drunk driver at Michigan birthday party identified by family
The young siblings killed when an alleged drunk driver mowed through a kid’s birthday party in Michigan over the weekend were identified Sunday as 8-year-old Lana and 5-year-old Zayn, according to devastated loved ones.
A photo of the adorable brother and sister with their mother and oldest sibling – who are still in critical condition – emerged a day after the deadly crash that also injured more than a dozen other people at the Swan Creek Boat Club.
“My sister and her family have lost their two babies to a drunk driver April 20th in Monroe, MI. Mom (Mariah) and oldest brother (Jayden ) are still in critical condition at this time,” Diane Harrington wrote on a GoFundMe page where the siblings were identified and pictured.
“Monies raised will help give Lana age 8 and Zayn age 5 a proper funeral and burial service.”
Leftover money would go toward housing and medical expenses, the family said.
The GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $100,000 since it started earlier Sunday.
The birthday celebration morphed into a nightmare around 3 p.m. Saturday when a 66-year-old woman –who has not been identified — plowed her SUV through the boat club where kids and their parents were gathered, authorities have said.
Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough said first responders described the scene as “extremely chaotic.”
Three children and six adults were rushed to area hospitals by helicopter or ambulance. Overall, 15 people were injured.
The driver was taken into custody and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death and could face other charges, WTVG reported.
Lana and Zayn attended Bobcean Elementary School and Jayden goes to Simpson Middle School at Flat Rock Community Schools.
School Superintendent Andrew Brodie called the incident “senseless” in a message to the school community.
“Our entire school community is reeling from this devastating news, and our hearts ache for the families and loved ones of those affected by this unimaginable tragedy. Words cannot adequately express the depth of our sorrow, nor can they ease the pain of those who are grieving,” Brodie stated.
“Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with every one of you during this incredibly difficult time.”