Man pleads not guilty in wrong-way crash that killed five family members

On Dec. 30, 2007 a family of five was killed on a highway in Ohio. A truck driven by a man who is accused of having a blood-alcohol level three times the legal driving limit in Ohio was behind the wheel. On Jan. 17 he pleaded not guilty to seven charges.

Michael Gagnon,24, from Adrian Michigan, is charged with drunken driving in a crash that killed five members of a Maryland family on Dec. 30. He was driving the wrong way down I-280 in Ohio. According to the toledoblade.com the charges are five counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and two counts of aggravated vehicular assault. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in Lucas County Common Pleas Court, Ohio. If convicted he faces up to 50 years in prison. Judge Linda Jennings ordered a $1.75 million bond has set a hearing date for Feb 14. Gagnon hit a minivan almost head on. There were eight people in the vehicle which included six children. They had been visiting family for the holidays in Michigan. Driving the minivan was Danny Griffin Jr. 36, of Parkville, Md. Mr. Griffin was hospitalized for three days. Sydney Griffin, 8, also hospitalized was released from the hospital on Jan, 7. Beau Burkman, 8, received only minor injuries, including bruising from the seat belt. Bethany Griffin, 36, was killed in the crash. Bethany and Danny had just recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary. Bethany taught Sunday School and was studying to become a nurse. A friend Jason Starin said,

"They were kindred spirits."

Vadie Griffin the 8-week-old daughter of the Griffins was also killed in the crash. Jordan Griffin, 10, Danny Griffins daughter who lived in Redford Township Michigan was also killed. Lacie Burkman, 7, Bethany's daughter was killed in the crash. Haley Burkman, 10, Bethany's daughter was killed in the crash. Such a senseless needless tragedy. So many lives lost. So many more whose lives have been shattered by the loss of these people.