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Charges Filed in Fatal I-75 Crash Killing Young Family
7 Jul
Summary
- A family of four died on I-75 after a car stalled.
- The accused driver was allegedly speeding and intoxicated.
- Community rallies around the grieving family with donations.
A devastating crash on Interstate 75 in northwest Oakland County last month claimed the lives of Zakeria Woodson, Tieree Powell, and their two young children, Nalani and Karter Powell, aged 3 and 2. The family's car had reportedly stalled at the side of the freeway when it was struck by a truck. Authorities allege the truck driver was intoxicated and traveling over 90 miles per hour.
The loss has sent shockwaves through the Pontiac community, where Woodson and her family were well-known and loved. Mayor Mike McGuinness described the tragedy as "mind-bending" and noted the deep connections many residents had with Woodson. Friends and family, including Woodson's sisters Caterra Woodson and Stevie Flemming, have expressed profound grief and emptiness.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community has rallied to support the extended families of Woodson and Powell. A GoFundMe page for burial and funeral expenses had raised over $47,500 of its $100,000 goal as of Monday evening. A community cookout was also held at Newman Court Apartments, with donations supporting the family.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald announced on Monday that the accused driver has been charged with four counts of second-degree murder and operating while intoxicated causing death. Woodson and Flemming expressed relief and a sense of justice upon hearing the news.
