ELBA TOWNSHIP, Mich. – An Oakland County woman and her two sons were killed over the weekend when their SUV crashed and rolled into a creek, police said.
The crash happened at 8:43 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, in the area of Lippincott and Lake Nepessing roads in Elba Township.
Officials said Jenée Suddeth, 32, of Waterford Township, was driving a 2021 Buick Enclave east on Lippincott Road and crossed the center line to pass a slower car, the Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office reports.
The Buick went beyond the left side of the road, hit a guardrail, rolled over, and crashed into the creek, according to authorities.
When police arrived, only the back tires of the upside-down Buick were visible above the surface of the water.
Suddeth and her two sons, ages 12 and 9, were removed from the car.
Suddeth was pronounced dead at the scene. Her 12-year-old son died at McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital. Her 9-year-old son died at the Hurley Medical Center in Flint.
The city of Pontiac posted a message following the crash:
It is with profound sadness that we share the devastating news of the loss of Jenée Suddeth, the mayor’s beloved executive assistant, and her two precious sons Mateo and Nikko. Their untimely passing has left a void that words cannot express.
Jenée was more than just a colleague; she was a remarkable person who brought joy and dedication to everything she did. Her sons were her pride and joy, full of life and potential, and their untimely passing is unspeakably devastating.
In this time of immense grief, we remember the love, laughter, and light that Jenée, Mateo, and Nikko brought into our lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends. May their memories be a blessing to us all.
City of Pontiac