MONROE COUNTY, Mich. — An emotional tribute Friday as the family of two children killed in a crash during a kid's birthday party shared their story.
Two children were killed and several others were hurt after a driver smashed through a wall at Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township on April 20.
Zayn and Alanah Phillips' family struggled to speak at the candlelight vigil as dozens of friends, family and strangers gathered around to show support.
Michael Hatfield is Zayn and Alanah's uncle and said this tragedy is hitting the family hard.
"They were full of joy, I mean they were babies," Hatfield said. "What more can you really say? They didn't have a life yet. They just were on their adventure to starting life."
He said his brother, Alanah and Zayn's dad, is struggling with the loss of his kids.
"I personally will never forget the feeling, the cries from a grown man when he finds out his kids have been taken from him," Hatfield said.
Nicholas Phillips is also an uncle. He was there when two young lives were cut short.
"They were sitting there about to grab food," Phillips said. "About to sit at a table when that car didn't even hit a brake light. Kept going straight and hit right into them."
Several other people were injured in the tragedy. The vigil was also dedicated to them.
But Hatfield said the event taking place just a few houses down from the alleged driver, who is now out on bond, makes this time even harder.
"These babies haven't even had a burial service yet and this lady's drinking coffee with her family, her loved ones," Hatfield said. "And this family is left with questions."
As people lit candles, prayed and grieved with each other at the vigil, Hatfield said people coming together is getting them through.
"The community service and the community support are really helpful," Hatfield said.
A spaghetti dinner fundraiser will be held on May 19 at Firemans Park from 1-7 p.m. for the victims of the tragic incident. The Swan Boat Club's Facebook page said there will be live entertainment and raffles.
First responders who helped victims the day of the incident will be honored as well.
The woman responsible for the crash, Marshella Chidester, is expected back in court on Tuesday, April 30. She is out on bond after being held on a $1.5 million bond.
She will now be monitored by GPS and must not consume any alcohol as conditions of her bond.
Chidester is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of operating while intoxicated by liquor causing death and four counts of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury.