Beloved Oakland County Teacher Killed In Uber Crash: Police

OAK PARK, MI — The man killed in an Uber crash in Oakland County last week was a beloved Oak Park teacher.

School officials identified the man as 59-year-old Dwayne Harvey, whom they described as a "beloved educator and valued member of the Oak Park Schools community."

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"At Oak Park High School, he was known for his warm smile, positive spirit, and genuine connection with students," school officials said in a statement. "He encouraged others, showed up for his students and colleagues, and brought a special energy to our school community each day."

Harvey also served as the senior class sponsor for the Oak Park High School Class of 2026. School officials said he dedicated countless hours to making their final year at Oak Park High School memorable.

Outside the classroom, Harvey worked as an Uber driver with his Buick Envision.

He was driving a 23-year-old passenger last Thursday when a black Dodge Charger slammed into his SUV at the intersection of Eight Mile Road and Coolidge Highway in Oak Park, according to police.

Emergency crews had to extricate Harvey from the SUV. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died, according to police.

His passenger was lying on the ground, but conscious and alert. He was also taken to a nearby hospital where he was listed in critical condition, according to police.

The driver of the Dodge Charger, 18-year-old Tracy Darwin Sutton, of Detroit, was not injured in the crash, according to police.

A passenger in the Charger, an 18-year-old girl, was not injured in the crash, according to police.

Investigators said Sutton was driving drunk when he sped through a red light at the intersection and caused the crash.

Sutton has been charged with operating while intoxicated causing death and operating while intoxicated causing serious injury. He was placed in jail with a $2 million bond. His next court date is scheduled for Sept. 28.

Friends and family told Fox 2 Detroit that Harvey was primarily working as an Uber driver to create his own ministry and to homeschool one of his grandkids.

Oak Park City Manager Erik Tungate also remembered Harvey.

"Dwayne Harvey dedicated his life to helping young people learn, grow and succeed, and his loss is being felt throughout our community," Tungate said. "Through his work as an educator, mentor and role model, he touched countless lives."

Oak Park school officials said Harvey was known for his love for Prince's music and his favorite color, purple. On Friday, students and staff will wear purple and play his favorite music to honor and celebrate the joy, kindness, and positive spirit he shared with our school community.