Karon Gardner, 11, killed in Detroit pedestrian crash
Karon Gardner, 11, was killed Saturday afternoon when he was hit by two vehicles while crossing a street on Detroit's west side.
Detroit police said the crash happened around 3:18 p.m. Oct. 17 near Puritan and Coyle. Both drivers stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. First responders pronounced Gardner dead at the scene.
Gardner was crossing with his brothers, according to his mother, Dominique Woods. Police said the vehicles were moving in opposite directions. A registered nurse who witnessed the crash tried to help him.
Family, friends and neighbors gathered at the intersection Sunday for a balloon release in Karon's memory. Woods remembered her son as a child who loved school and sports.
"He loved sports, basketball, football. He loved to play the game," she said.
Tamara Smith with Ceasefire Detroit, who lives in the neighborhood, said she saw Karon shortly before the crash. She raised concerns about speeding in the area and urged drivers to slow down.
Woods created a GoFundMe to help pay for Karon's funeral and burial expenses.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Michigan wrongful death claims involving more than one driver
If more than one driver's negligence contributes to a pedestrian's death, more than one driver may be responsible. Michigan law assesses fault person by person, so involvement in a crash alone doesn't establish liability. Michigan Legal Center's explanation of multi-vehicle accident claims describes how the sequence of impacts can help establish each driver's role.
Under MCL 600.2922, the estate's personal representative, the person authorized to act for the estate, must bring the wrongful death lawsuit. The claim requires wrongful conduct that caused the death and would have supported a lawsuit if the person had survived. Recoverable damages may include reasonable funeral and burial expenses for which the estate is liable and loss of companionship for eligible surviving relatives.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles pedestrian accident and wrongful death claims.
If your family has lost someone in a pedestrian crash, Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask about a review of possible claims and insurance coverage.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.