MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – A 31-year-old Lapeer man is facing multiple felony charges after a head-on crash on Thanksgiving killed a 5-year-old girl and seriously injured three other people in Macomb County.
Police believe alcohol played a role in the crash.
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It happened at about 5:30 p.m. Nov. 27, 2025, on Van Dyke Avenue in Bruce Township.
According to authorities, Austin Thorpe was heading southbound with his 2-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter when he reportedly crossed over the center lanes. One northbound vehicle was able to swerve out of the way, but the car behind it was struck head-on.
Prosecutors said Thorpe had improperly secured his young children in the vehicle prior to the crash.
Thorpe, the children and the teenage driver of the northbound car were rushed to Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, where the 5-year-old girl died.
More than six months after the crash, Thorpe was arraigned Wednesday, June 3.
Thorpe faces charges of OWI causing death, two counts of OWI causing serious injury, two counts of third-degree child abuse, moving violation causing death, two counts of moving violation causing serious impairment of a body function, and commission of a felony with a motor vehicle.
He was also charged as a habitual offender. His bond was set at $500,000, and if released, Thorpe is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for June 16.