Drunken Driver Charged In Macomb County Crash That Killed 5-Year-Old Girl: Prosecutor

BRUCE TOWNSHIP, MI — A man is facing charges in connection with a drunken crash that killed his 5-year-old daughter and injured several others last Thanksgiving in Macomb County, according to prosecutors.

The crash happened at 5:20 p.m. last Thanksgiving Day on M-53 (Van Dyke Highway) and Ebeling Road in Bruce Township, according to police.

Austin Thorpe, 31, of Lapeer, was charged with operating while intoxicated causing death, two counts of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, two counts of third-degree child abuse, moving violation causing death, two counts of moving violation causing serious impairment and commission of a felony with a motor vehicle. He is charged as a second-offense habitual offender.

He was placed in jail with a $500,000 bond.

Investigators said Thorpe was driving a 2011 Chevy Impala south on M-53 with his 2-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter when he crossed into the northbound lanes and smashed head-on with a 2013 Chevy Impala.

The driver of the 2013 Chevy was following her boyfriend, who was able to swerve out of the way before the crash and was not struck, according to police.

The 5-year-old girl was killed in the crash, while Thorpe and his 2-year-old son were taken to a nearby hospital where they were treated, according to police.

The 18-year-old woman, who was driving the 2013 Chevy, was also taken to a nearby hospital where she was treated for life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Investigators said Thorpe was driving drunk at the time of the crash and did not brake before impact. Furthermore, they said neither child was properly restrained and that there was only one car seat in the car.

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said the crash was preventable.

"This was a completely preventable tragedy. The allegations are that the defendant was impaired, failed to properly secure two young children, and then caused a crash that left one child dead, another seriously injured, and an innocent driver badly hurt. When drivers ignore basic responsibilities, the consequences can be catastrophic," he said.