Prosecutor: Charging decision expected Tuesday in fatal crash at Swan Boat Club
MONROE — Charges against a suspected drunken driver who crashed into a boat club building where a child's birthday party was taking place Saturday and killed two of the kids inside are expected to be filed Tuesday.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office "has some additional investigation that must be completed before we can determine final charges," Monroe County Prosecutor Jeffrey Yorkey said in a news release issued Monday morning.
"The Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate this incident to ensure we have identified all of those who were injured or witnessed this incident," Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough said Tuesday.
At about 3 p.m. Saturday, a 66-year-old woman drove a small SUV into a building at the Swan Boat Club on Brancheau Road in Berlin Township. At least 15 people inside were injured, with nine being transported by medical helicopters or ambulances to area hospitals.
Yorkey offered his "deepest condolences to the victims of Saturday’s tragic incident."
"Further, as in all cases, the suspect in this case is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt," he said. "We appreciate the public’s patience and know that you understand how important it is to have all of the information in front of us before making such an important decision."
"The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and first responders continue to keep our thoughts and prayers with the victims and their families," Goodnough said.
The children who died were siblings 8-year-old Alanah Phillips and 4-year-old Zayn Phillips, Goodnough reported. They attended Flat Rock Community Schools' Early Childhood Center and Bobcean Elementary School, Superintendent Andrew Brodie said in a message posted on the district's website. A third sibling who attends Simpson Middle School suffered serious injuries.
"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," Brodie said. "Words cannot adequately express the depth of our sorrow, nor can they ease the pain of those who are grieving. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with every one of you during this incredibly difficult time."
Counselors and social workers were to be available Monday to provide support to any students and families who may need it, Brodie said.
"We are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where everyone feels supported, heard, and valued as we begin the healing process together," he said.
"I encourage you to take the time to talk with your children about their feelings and emotions surrounding this tragedy," Brodie said. "Let them know that it is okay to grieve, to ask questions, and to seek help if they need it."
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A GoFundMe fundraiser to help the family was linked from the boat club's website. In an update posted Monday, it said the oldest brother had had a long surgery and faced a lengthy recovery. The mom also faces a long recovery. The donations are to pay for funeral, medical and housing expenses. As of noon Monday, there were more than $168,000 in pledges toward a $200,000 goal.
The fundraiser can be accessed at gofund.me/67014015.
"We are a fellowship of people who band together when tragedy strikes," the Swan Boat Club's board of directors said in a post on the club's Facebook page that expressed sadness, shock and frustration at the "unimaginable tragedy" that occurred Saturday. "We need time to process the grief, support each other, support the families directly and indirectly involved, to be in each other’s company.
"As we all try to move forward with our grief and sadness, we need to give ourselves grace to grieve and know that Swan Boat Club is committed to our members and our community."
Goodnough also provided updates on the nine individuals who were transported via ambulance or air ambulance service to local hospitals:
31-year-old female who remains in critical condition.
11-year-old male who remains in critical condition.
18-year-old female in serious condition.
16-year-old female in serious condition.
14-year-old male in serious condition.
70-year-old female with minor injuries.
66-year-old female with minor injuries.
62-year-old female with minor injuries.
57-year-old female with minor injuries.
Additionally, a 42-year-old male sought treatment on his own for minor injuries.
Other elected officials also offered their condolences to the victims.
"Peg and I are so saddened about this news," state Sen. Joe Bellino Jr. said in text message. "Our hearts and prayers go out to all those involved in this tragedy."
"What an absolute tragedy," U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg-R Tipton, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "My prayers are with those lost, injured, the families, and the brave first responders."
The name of the driver has not been released.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at 734-240-7530.
— Contact reporter David Panian at dpanian@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @lenaweepanian. Former Monroe News editor Ray Kisonas contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Charging decision expected April 23 in fatal crash at Swan Boat Club
