A Monroe County community is reeling and rallying behind the devastated families affected by a horrific accident at a local boat club during a child’s birthday party which left two siblings dead and 13 others injured. The suspected drunk driver, a 66-year-old woman, is expected to be arraigned today on charges after the vehicle she was driving crashed through the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township on Saturday afternoon, killing Alanah Phillips, 8, and Zayn Phillips, 4, and injuring several others, FOX 2 Detroit reported.
In the wake of the tragic event, two separate GoFundMe campaigns have collectively raised over $200,000 to aid the Phillips family and others who were hurt. Fundraiser organizers stated on the campaign pages that the monies will cover funeral, housing, and medical expenses, a relief effort launched as officials and witnesses described the chaos ensuing from the sudden and brutal infiltration of the celebration by the careening vehicle, The Detroit News reported.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office detailed that video surveillance captured the suspect's SUV speeding through the parking lot before destroying part of the building as the party, attended by approximately 70 people, was in full swing. The accused lived a mere few hundred yards from the club, and she reportedly had been at a local bar earlier. Verna’s Tavern, where the suspect is believed to have been drinking, said in a statement obtained by FOX 2 Detroit, "We are saddened beyond words by the news of this horrible tragedy. Our most sincere thoughts and prayers go out to all those that lost their lives, their family members, witnesses and all of our community that is in pain due to this incident. We ask for patience during the investigation and that the justice system be allowed to work to uncover the actual facts surrounding the accident."
The Phillips family was not the only one affected; multiple GoFundMe pages, including one for a fresh graduate named Lia, who sustained critical injuries, have seen considerable support from sympathizers, Lia's father Josh, his heart heavy with the gravity of the moment found himself torn with empathy for the family in the hospital room next door their sobs gut-wrenching a visceral audio backdrop to his agony as expressed in a statement on the fundraising platform on a GoFundMe page set up by Kymberlee Flores, as mentioned by The Detroit News.
In spite of the circumstances, the Flat Rock Community Schools where the Phillips children were enrolled, are pulling together in support, with Superintendent Andrew Brodie extending condolences and ensuring counseling support for affected families and students, according to clickondetroit.
