LINCOLN PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) — Attention on social media is not worth your life. That is the message a woman wants all young people to hear after witnessing the aftermath of a tragic crash in Lincoln Park.
“It just breaks my heart. Nobody needs to go through that,” said Jennifer Kruger, who witnessed the crash.
Jennifer Kruger was inside her son’s home on Cicotte Avenue east of Porter when outside young people were making decisions that would end in tragedy.
Surveillance video captured by a business across the street shows an SUV speeding, jumping railroad tracks, and losing control. It slammed into a tree in Kruger’s son’s yard.
“It sounded like an explosion,” said Kruger.
Kruger ran to help and called 911. She found a girl on her son’s lawn fighting for her life. Other young people were trapped inside the vehicle.
Police say they are still piecing together what happened and who was driving. What they know is three people, an 18-year-old man, a 15-year-old boy, and an 8-year-old girl lost their lives. A 13-year-old girl is in critical condition. A 14-year-old girl is in stable condition.
Family members confirm to 7 Action News the young people were joyriding and live-streaming it on social media.
“I am devastated for the family who had to see it online. Somebody saw it and tagged family members and that is how they knew where their kids were,” said Kruger, who spoke to relatives of those in the crash.
Kruger said she hopes young people see this story and learn reckless driving and social media are a tragic combination.
“I don’t want anybody to ever have to see that again. I don’t know these kids and I am heartbroken,” said Kruger.
