MONROE COUNTY, Mich. — Neighbors in the Monroe County community of Newport are reeling after two kids were killed and 15 others were injured when an SUV slammed into a local boat club on Saturday.
The crash at the Swan Boat Club left a gaping hole, not just in the side of the boat club's building, but also within the tight-knit community of Newport.
Steve Cybulla is a local who lives down the street from the boat club. He has a 5-year-old daughter similar in age to the pair of siblings lost in the crash.
He says that he originally knew something bad had happened when he saw a medical helicopter flying into his neighborhood.
Cybulla said he can't imagine the pain and loss that the tragic incident has caused the parents.
"I don't think words can actually describe (how I feel). You know, it's probably going to take years of healing to come back from something like this, if that's even possible. It's just so sad," said Cybulla.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Department, the 66-year-old female driver of the SUV that slammed into the building was intoxicated at the time of the crash, and Cybulla said despite a number of local bars in the area he's never known Newport to be a dangerous place with a large number of drunk drivers.
"Not that I'm aware of. I've lived in the area for about six years now, and I'm going to say no. I'd like to think that we're all pretty reasonably responsible around here," said Cybulla. He also said the posted speed limit down Brancheau St., where the SUV was traveling at a high rate of speed, is just 10 miles per hour.
Throughout the afternoon, WTOL witnessed cars coming down the drive, many dropping off flowers, teddy bears, crosses and more. Many were emotional and tearful as they set down their gifts on a makeshift memorial before departing.
Another local, Dan Beazley, came to the vigil to pray with those who visited. He said coming together as a community to pay respects to the victims is important.
While the incident has received a lot of attention Beazley said that he hopes people don't forget that this event will leave lifelong scars on the town.
"Once the cameras are gone, and a week or two from now, everybody is kind of back to living their lives, It's important to remember this community is going to be feeling this for years and years to come," said Beazley.
Beazley said that despite the tragedy he hopes people are encouraged to love one another, and truly cherish the time they have together.
"We need to wrap our arms around each other and love on each other because we don't know when we're going to see them again," said Beazley.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Department stated in the press conference held on Saturday that the case is currently an ongoing investigation.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office has confirmed to WTOL 11 Marshella Chidester is the suspect in the incident and is in custody at this time. The Monroe County Prosecutor's Office said no charges have yet been filed against Chidester. Charges are expected Tuesday.
Stay with WTOL 11 for the latest information.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the name of the suspect.
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