A Michigan family's birthday celebration turned into a tragedy at the hands of an alleged drunk driver. A 66-year-old woman reportedly drove her car into the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township on April 20, seriously injuring more than a dozen people and killing two young siblings. The children, identified only as 8-year-old Lana and 5-year-old Zayn, were reportedly at the birthday party when the woman's vehicle charged into the building.
The driver, whom police have not publicly identified, was taken into custody and will likely face criminal charges, Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough said during a news conference. The lives of all who attended the party will never be the same.
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The car crash occurred in the early afternoon.
According to Goodnough, police were dispatched to the Swan Boat Club around 3 p.m., after receiving a report of a motor vehicle crashing into a building. Emergency personnel treated 15 adults and children for injuries, and nine were taken to area hospitals with life-threatening injuries. Tragically, siblings Lana and Zayn were pronounced dead at the scene, an emotional Goodnough announced.
Police immediately arrested the driver.
Goodnough declined to identify the driver but said she was taken into police custody for charges related to operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and causing death. He added that criminal charges are likely as the investigation continues.
"The scene was described by the first responders as extremely chaotic, with high level of emotions of those directly involved and those who witnessed this horrific incident," Goodnough recalled during the news conference.
The driver may have been at an area bar prior to the accident.
During the news conference, Goodnough mentioned Verna's Tavern as part of the investigation and a potential location the suspect may have visited before the accident.
"We went in, we shut the business down," he said. "We are in the process of executing a search warrant for information as to the business conducted at that day."
He added, "As to her mental state, I don't want to get into that," but he noted that she cooperated with police at the scene.
The family created a GoFundMe account for the victims.
The children's aunt, Diane Harrington, created the GoFundMe page and explained that in addition to Lana and Zayn, the children's mother, Mariah, and brother, Jayden, were also seriously injured in the crash.
"Monies raised will help give Lana age 8 and Zayn age 5 a proper funeral and burial service. Left over monies will help the family with housing and medical expenses. Thank you for your support during this time. Service date and location to be announced," Harrington wrote.
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Supporters raised a lot of money in a short period.
The GoFundMe has raised more than $180,000 of its $200,000 goal thus far. Generous donors have shared their love and prayers with the family.
One person wrote, "I'm very sorry to hear of another horrible tragedy and loss of two beautiful children caused by yet another utterly selfish person's decision to drink and drive."
That sentiment was echoed by many.
"I am so sorry. I prayed for all of them several times yesterday," someone else commented. "There can be nothing worse than losing your children. Such a senseless loss."
"My heart breaks for your family as you navigate through this unimaginable sorrow. Sending you strength today and peace in all the days ahead!❤️" another person wrote.
The Swan Boat Club closed Sunday in the wake of the tragedy. "There was a terrible accident at Swan today with many injuries, and much damage to the pavilion," a Facebook post reads. "Please keep all the people and families in attendance in your prayers."
