‘Most kind-hearted people I knew’: Loved ones mourn family of 4 killed in Oakland County crash on I-75

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – A Pontiac couple and their two young children were killed Wednesday night when their disabled car was crashed into on the shoulder of southbound I-75 near Grange Hall Road, according to Michigan State Police.

Relatives on Thursday (July 2) identified the victims as parents Tieree Powell and Zakiera, and their children, 4-year-old Malani Powell and 2-year-old Carter Powell.

“This is very devastating for my family as we just lost our mother recently,” Tieree’s brother, Devrionta Powell, said in a statement. “My brother and his kids and girlfriend were the most kind-hearted people I knew.”

Michigan State Police said the family’s Chrysler 300 was heading south on I-75 around 9 p.m. when they pulled onto the shoulder to deal with a problem with the vehicle.

Devrionta Powell said his brother had stopped to change a flat tire.

While the car was on the side of the freeway, it was hit by a pickup truck.

Video taken Thursday morning showed the Chrysler on a flatbed being towed away; it was hardly recognizable.

The driver of the pickup was injured and taken to a hospital.

MSP said the driver is in custody as the investigation continues.

Local 4 reached out to MSP on Thursday afternoon for more information about the crash and the driver.

Their public information officer responded, “No additional updates at this time.”

“It was quite a mess,” said John Williams, fire chief of the Groveland Township Fire Department, whose crews responded to the scene.

Williams said the crash happened on a stretch of I-75 where emergency responders have seen numerous serious crashes over the years.

Local 4 reported last year that Williams and two other fire chiefs urged drivers to use extra caution along the roughly 15-mile stretch.

“Slow down. Do the speed limit. You’ll get there,” Williams said.

Devrionta said his family is leaning on their faith as they cope with the loss.

Devrionta said he and his brother were adopted into a loving family.

In addition to a brother, Tieree leaves behind four other sisters.

The family has set up a GoFundMe.

Devrionta’s full statement is below.

Click Here for Full Article

‍