Inset: Sam Skinner, on the far right, with her family (GoFundMe). Background: The parking lot in Holly Township, Michigan, where a pickup truck struck her (Google Maps).
Police in Michigan are investigating after a 72-year-old man allegedly impaired by drugs ran over a woman holding her 1-year-old child.
The event took place around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday at the parking lot of Alex’s Market & Grill in Holly Township, according to the Michigan State Police announced. Upon arriving, troopers found 29-year-old Sam Skinner, identified by her family, unresponsive. Officers performed CPR until paramedics reached the scene and officially declared Skinner deceased.
The 1-year-old also was run over but suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
It was discovered that Skinner was holding a 1-year-old child while either placing in or taking out another child from her Ford Explorer at the convenience store and gas station, positioned about 55 miles northwest of Detroit, when the truck driver pulled out from the adjacent parking spot, police explained. The driver struck Skinner and the 1-year-old, tragically running them over.
The troopers reported that they interviewed the driver of the “commercial-grade Ford pickup truck” and “during the interview, developed a suspicion of narcotics impairment.”
The man, who has not been publicly identified, was arrested and troopers obtained a warrant for a blood draw before releasing him.
“This investigation is ongoing with additional evidence, medical examiner reports, and outcomes from the search warrant pending,” stated MSP Lt. Mike Shaw. “Currently, it seems impaired driving is the reason for this accident. Although many drivers understand the dangers of alcohol when driving, we keep reminding them that drug impairment poses similar risks. Whether they are prescribed medications, marijuana, or over-the-counter drugs, all affect driving abilities.”
Troopers will wrap up their investigation and present it to prosecutors who will decide on the appropriate criminal charges, officials indicated.
Skinner’s family started a GoFundMe page that as of Tuesday morning raised north of $70,000.
“In a split second, the lives of everyone who loved her were changed forever,” the fundraiser said. “Sam was more than just a victim of this senseless tragedy — she was a vibrant, kind, and selfless soul. A devoted mother to her 1-year-old daughter, Marley, a loving stepmother of 5-year-old, Roman, a cherished daughter and sister, and a loyal friend to so many. Her warmth, laughter, and unconditional love will never be forgotten.”
