BERLIN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The family of the two kids killed in a crash at a birthday party are speaking out about their loss in Monroe County.
“They were babies,” their uncle, Michael Hatfield, said. “They didn’t have a life yet they were just on their adventure to starting life.”
Alanah Phillips, 8, and Zayn Phillips, 5, were the two kids killed Saturday (April 20) at Swan Boat Club in Newport when a suspected drunk driver crashed into the building where a birthday party was happening.
Hatfield and his brother Nicholas Phillips spoke about their late niece and nephew during a vigil on Friday, April 27.
“When that car did not even hit a brake light (it) kept going straight right into them,” Phillips said. “They were just sitting there trying to eat, about to have cake and ice cream at a birthday party.”
At least 10 others were injured in the crash, including the kids’ mother and 11-year-old brother, who remain in the hospital.
Phillips spoke about how he’ll remember his niece and nephew and how their lives were cut too short.
“She’s never going to be able to go to that prom… she’s never going to have that wedding that she deserves,” Phillips said.
The 66-year-old driver, Marshella Chidester, was released on bond after being charged with eight crimes, including two counts of second-degree murder.
“These babies haven’t even had a burial or a service yet, and this lady is drinking coffee at home with her family,” Hatfield said. “And this family is left with questions and feeling as if the system has failed us.”