Drunk driver causes death of 5 family members

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Toledo, Ohio: An alleged drunk driver from Adrian, Michigan, drove about four miles going the wrong way on Interstate-280 near the I-75 interchange in Ohio.

A 24-year-old man, Michael Gagnon, driving a Ford F250 pick-up truck hit a Chevy Astro minivan nearly head-on. The driver of the minivan, Danny Griffin Jr. was rounding a curve when the two vehicles collided according to Ron Span, with the Toledo police.

As the two drivers tried to avoid the collision the truck hit the passenger side of the van with such force that it ripped off that side of the minivan killing all those who were on the right side of the minivan.

According to MyFox Toledo the dead are Bethany Griffin, 36, her baby Vadi Griffin, Jordan Griffin, 10, Haley Bukman, 10, and Lacie Burkman, 7. Danny Griffin, the father, and two other children, Sidney Griffin, and Beu Burkman, 8, survived.

According to MyFox Detroit, the three surviving members of the extended family were taken to St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center.
Danny Griffin and Beu Burkman were listed in serious condition and Sydney Griffin was listed in critical condition.

Gagnon was also taken to the hospital. He suffered an injury to his jaw.

Gagnon was booked on Monday evening into Lucas County Jail. He is charged with five counts of aggravated vehicular homicide. It is a second-degree felony that carries a minimum sentence of two years in prison and the maximum of 8 years in prison for each count.


According to Gagnon's brother, Samuel, they and their cousins had been drinkig at a hotel near Toledo. Their sister was supposed to drive them home but Gagnon left the party without telling anyone.

"I don't know why he decided to leave," the younger Gagnon said. "Everyone's in shock. We're supposed to be celebrating the New Year, but now I got to look forward to my brother in jail the rest of his life."

A statement was released by Mayor Carty Finkbener about the deaths.

Statement from Mayor Carty Finkbeiner
Regarding Traffic Deaths on I-280
December 31, 2007

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Danny Griffin. I would ask all Toledoans to pray for those who survived - particularly eight year old Sidney Griffin - who remains in critical condition in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center. The driver of the pickup truck, Michael Gannon, will be charged upon his release from the hospital and prosecuted to the maximum extent of the law.

"The tragic accident late last night on I-280 should serve as a stark reminder to all citizens to not drink and drive as we wrap up the 2007 holiday season. The deaths of five people, including four children, need not have happened had one individual had the common sense to not get behind the wheel after he’d been drinking.

"Please, if you drink, do not drive. There are several options available for holiday partiers this evening - including free tows from ABCO Towing of Toledo. There is no reason or excuse to drive while intoxicated."

This is good advice for everyone who drinks and for those who are with anyone who has had too much to drink.

Terrible tragedies like this would never happen if people would take responsibility for their actions.

If you are going to drink don't drive. Before you begin to drink give you keys to someone who will not be drinking. Think ahead and think of what the consequences could be if you drive drunk.