The Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office reports that a mother and her two children tragically died this weekend after their vehicle overturned into a creek.
The 32-year-old mother was identified as Jenee Suddeth from Waterford, and she had been traveling with her sons, ages 9 and 12, at the time of the crash. Deputies were summoned to the scene on Lippincott Road in Elba Township shortly before 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. The accident, which occurred east of Lake Nepessing Road in Lapeer County, was reported by a witness, who told investigators that the vehicle had gone off the road before overturning into a creek.
Investigation found that the vehicle, a Buick Enclave, had been eastbound on Lippincott Road when Suddeth attempted to pass the vehicle in front of her, but instead went off the left side of the road. The Enclave hit the guardrail, rolling over onto its roof and into the water, where it quickly became submerged, with investigators only able to see the rear tires at first.
Though all three family members were found and freed from the water, Suddeth was unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene, while the 12-year-old son died shortly after he and his brother arrived at a hospital. The youngest victim, the 9-year-old, passed away around 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 14.
Investigators are still working on the crash, with it unclear if excessive speed or alcohol use were factors.
