6-Year-Old Michigan Girl Dies After Crash On Snowy Roadway
LEROY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say a 6-year-old girl has died following a three-vehicle crash on a snowy roadway in southern Michigan.
State police say Harlyn Radley died after the crash at around 2 p.m. Wednesday on M-66, near Glenn Cross St., in Calhoun County's Leroy Township, near Battle Creek.
According to investigators, a car driven by the child's mother lost control and collided with another vehicle. A third vehicle then struck the wreckage.
Police said the mother, identified as Heather Hart-Radley, suffered serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital. The driver of one of the other vehicles were injured.
According to investigators, speed and heavy, wet, blowing snow were all believed to have been factors in the crash, which happened during a storm that brought as much as a foot of snow to some areas of the state.
By late Thursday morning, a Gofundme page had already collected $5,000 in Harlyn's name. A friend, who set up the online fundraiser, said money raised will go to help Harlyn's father Sean with upcoming medical and funeral expenses.
"As friends of Sean's for over 20 years, we want more than anything to help in some way," Doug Bryson posted."This is not just a donation, however a show of caring to let Sean know we are all here for him during this extremely difficult time."
A second Gofundme, set up by a family member, has collected $2,800.
Meantime, message of sympathy have been crowding social media.
"My heart aches and goes out to the Radley family at such a devastating time. I cannot imagine any greater loss than that of a child. Rest in peace little angel," wrote Tabatha Anderson, in a Facebook post.
My heat goes out to the Radley family❤️ thank you for giving me the pleasure to help teach dance to such a beautiful little girl. RIP Harlyn
— blonde stallion (@elainahrcka) February 25, 2016
Music teacher Betty Picard wrote: "Keeping the Radley family in my heart. Overwhelming sadness through this tragedy. Harlyn, one of our 1st graders, brightened our days with an infectious smile and twinkling eyes. And there was the very cute, little, thoughtful look when she was thinking about an idea. Feeling lots of sadness today."
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call troopers at the Marshall post at 269-558-0500 or Silent Observer at 269-964-3888.
TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.