OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – The young family from Pontiac who were killed in a horrific crash on southbound I-75 in Holly on Wednesday night have been identified by a family member.
Police say Tieree Powell, 24, Zakiera Powell, 24, and their two children, Malani, 4, and Carter, 2, all died at the scene after a truck driver smashed into their vehicle while it was stopped on the side of the freeway. The crash occurred just after 9 p.m. near Grange Hall Road in northern Oakland County.
Michigan State Police have released few details about the circumstances leading up to the crash, however they reported on X Thursday morning that charges against the driver are pending and will be announced soon.
Family members told Local 4 they are working on a statement to share in response to the devastating news.
In a statement posted to Facebook on Thursday, North Oakland County Fire Authority Chief Matt Weil said the tragedy is “another heartbreaking reminder that the consequences of our choices behind the wheel can be irreversible.”
He also noted that while police have not shared what factors contributed to the crash, it happened in a construction zone that’s been active for three years.
Throughout that time, he says, “we repeatedly witnessed posted speed limits being ignored, creating unnecessary risks for motorists, construction workers, and first responders alike.”
Emergency crews were on the scene for several hours while police investigated the crash, with all southbound lanes closed.
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