Police in Michigan are investigating a tragic incident in which a 72-year-old man, allegedly impaired by drugs, ran over a woman and her 1-year-old child in a parking lot.
The accident, which occurred on Sunday evening in Holly Township, resulted in the death of 29-year-old Sam Skinner, while the child survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Incident
The accident took place at around 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Alex’s Market & Grill, a convenience store and gas station located approximately 55 miles northwest of Detroit.
Sam Skinner, who was holding her 1-year-old child, was either placing or taking another child in or out of her Ford Explorer when the driver of a commercial-grade Ford pickup truck pulled out of a parking space and hit both the woman and the child.
According to Michigan State Police, the driver ran over both of them, causing severe injuries to Skinner.
First Responders’ Efforts
When troopers arrived at the scene, they found Skinner unresponsive and immediately began administering CPR. Despite their efforts, paramedics later pronounced her dead. The 1-year-old, who was also hit, fortunately sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital for medical attention.
Investigation into Impairment
Following the incident, police interviewed the driver of the pickup truck and, during questioning, suspected that narcotics may have impaired his ability to drive. Although the man has not been publicly identified, he was arrested, and a warrant was obtained for a blood draw to test for drugs.
He was released after the blood test, but the investigation is ongoing, with authorities awaiting results from the medical examiner and additional evidence.
MSP Lt. Mike Shaw stressed the dangers of driving while impaired by any substance, including prescription drugs, marijuana, or over-the-counter medications, all of which can affect a person’s ability to drive safely.
Ongoing Investigation
The Michigan State Police are continuing their investigation into the crash, gathering evidence and awaiting the results of the blood test. Once the investigation is complete, findings will be sent to prosecutors, who will determine what criminal charges, if any, will be filed against the driver.
Family’s Heartbreaking Loss
Sam Skinner’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs and to support her surviving children. As of Tuesday morning, the page had raised over $70,000. The fundraiser’s message describes Sam as a vibrant and loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend.
“In a split second, the lives of everyone who loved her were changed forever,” the family wrote. “Sam was more than just a victim of this senseless tragedy — she was a vibrant, kind, and selfless soul. Her warmth, laughter, and unconditional love will never be forgotten.”
This tragic event highlights the severe risks of driving while impaired by drugs and serves as a painful reminder of the impact such reckless actions can have on innocent lives. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure justice for Sam Skinner and her family.
