OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – A growing memorial of balloons and candles outside a Pontiac home marks the loss of a family of four killed in a crash on I-75 Wednesday night, as loved ones struggle to process the tragedy.
Michigan State Police said the family’s Chrysler 300 was stopped on the southbound shoulder of I-75 near Grange Hall Road Wednesday.
Then a pickup truck slammed into the vehicle, killing everyone inside.
Troopers said the family had pulled over to deal with an issue with their car.
The driver of the pickup was injured and taken to a hospital. That person is in custody.
For relatives, the loss is almost too much to bear.
“I’m so numb right now,” Devrionta Powell, the brother of Tieree Powell, who died in the crash Wednesday, said. “My tears yesterday, they turned to acid. My face was hurting. I have no more tears right now.”
Devrionta shared a video with Local 4 showing he and Tieree and dressed in suits at a wedding, sharing a brief, joyful moment. For Devrionta, it captures the depth of their relationship.
“The video shows the power, the bond we had between each other,” he said.
That bond was shattered Wednesday, when Tieree, his girlfriend, and their two young children were killed in the crash.
Family members said Tieree played a central role in keeping everyone connected, especially after their mother died.
“My brother played a big role in our family. He looked after everyone,” Devrionta said. “After my mother passing, you know, I used to call him like, ‘Hey, I need you to go over to the house and cut the grass. Check on someone, or feed the cats, or at least assist someone in our family.’ He was the contact I had since I’ve been deployed.”
Devrionta said his brother was devoted to his girlfriend and their children and was working to build a better future for them. Before the crash, Tieree was speaking with Army recruits about joining the military to create more stability for his family, Devrionta said.
Devrionta also mentioned his brother looked up to him. Devrionta is a sergeant in the army.
Outside the family’s home, a sidewalk memorial continues to grow, with neighbors and friends stopping by to leave balloons and messages.
“We’re just grieving right now and we could really use some support, a hug,” Devrionta said.
To honor the four lives lost, relatives are planning a public celebration service on Saturday.
The family is asking people to RSVP to come, you can send them an email to get the address at devriontapowell@gmail.com.
Local 4 also reached out to Michigan State Police on Friday to see if there were any updates on the crash; their Public Information Officer replied that there were none.