Accident – Death – Obituary News :
(CBS DETROIT) – The mother of two young siblings who tragically lost their lives after a vehicle crashed into a Michigan boat club during a birthday party is taking legal action against the suspected drunk driver.
Suspect Identified in Monroe County Crash
Mariah Dodds is filing a lawsuit against Marshella Chidester, 66, who authorities believe was under the influence of alcohol when she crashed into the Swan Boat Club in Monroe County. The devastating incident occurred on Saturday, April 20, at approximately 3 p.m.
Heartbreaking Loss for Family
Dodds and her three children were celebrating at the birthday party when Chidester’s SUV smashed through the club’s wall. Tragically, two of Dodds’ children, 4-year-old Zayn and 8-year-old Alanah, lost their lives in the crash. Dodds and her remaining child, J.P., survived but are currently in critical condition.
“Hearts are broken. Two pieces of their heart are now gone and it is just really hard to process this kind of hurt,” expressed attorney Michael Jones on behalf of the grieving family. “They need time to heal and request privacy during this difficult time,” Jones added. “There is a long recovery ahead for both Mariah, J.P., and the family. Zayn and Alanah had smiles that filled the room. They were the most loving and kindhearted kids.”
Legal Action and Charges
The lawsuit filed by Dodds accuses Chidester of negligence, alleging that she drove the vehicle while intoxicated, operated it recklessly, and failed to attempt to stop the vehicle. Additionally, Verna’s Tavern, where Chidester was reportedly a customer before the crash, is also named in the lawsuit. The lawsuit claims the tavern was grossly negligent and careless for serving alcohol to Chidester, who was visibly intoxicated.
Chidester has been arraigned on two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of operating while intoxicated causing death, and four counts of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury. Her bond has been set at $1.5 million, and she has been ordered not to leave Michigan without court permission, refrain from alcohol or controlled substances, wear a GPS tether, not purchase a firearm, operate a motor vehicle, or possess a passport.
The community is left mourning the loss of two innocent children in a preventable tragedy that has forever changed the lives of their loved ones.
Written by Sara Powers, a digital producer for CBS Detroit, covering local news with a focus on crime, politics, and entertainment.
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