Sam Skinner was a young mom enjoying a typical day with her children in Holly Township, Michigan. She stopped with 1-year-old Marley and 5-year-old stepson, Roman, at Alex’s Market & Grill in the early evening of July 27, 2025. Skinner had no idea tragedy would soon strike her young family. A vehicle ran over the mother and daughter in the parking lot, killing Skinner. Now her husband and children must grapple with her sudden and shocking death.
Troopers responded to a call about a pedestrian struck at Alex’s Market & Grill around 6:30 p.m., per a release from the Michigan State Police. When they arrived, they found the 29-year-old mother unresponsive. Sadly, she died at the scene. Emergency responders took Marley to an area hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
While investigating at the scene, troopers determined Skinner was holding Marley outside her car. The suspect, who was driving a pickup truck, began to back out of his parking spot next to the mother and daughter. In doing so, he reportedly ran over Skinner and her baby.
Police arrested the 72-year-old male driver at the scene.
“This investigation is still pending other evidence, medical examiner reports and results from the search warrant,” Lt. Mike Shaw shared in a statement. “It does appear at this time that impaired driving is the cause of this crash. While many drivers are aware of the impacts of alcohol while driving, we continue to remind drivers the same is true for drug impairment. It does not matter if they are prescribed drugs, marijuana, or over the counter, they all impact your ability to drive.”
Tiffany MacDermaid, Skinner’s cousin, told WXYZ that Skinner was preparing to do a custody exchange with Roman when the horrific accident occurred.
“It’s just such a terrible, tragic way to go, and even worse so that it was from the carelessness of another human. It’s horrific,” MacDermaid said.
Alexis Skinner and Sydney Halstead created a GoFundMe account to help support Skinner’s husband and children.
“Sam was more than just a victim of this senseless tragedy — she was a vibrant, kind, and selfless soul. A devoted mother to her 1-year-old daughter, Marley, a loving stepmother of 5-year-old, Roman, a cherished daughter and sister, and a loyal friend to so many. Her warmth, laughter, and unconditional love will never be forgotten,” a message on the page reads.
It’s unclear what charges the elderly driver could face in Skinner’s death.
