2 Royal Oak Kids Killed in Crash on U.S. 23
Police are looking for the public's help to locate a gray Honda Odyssey with front-end damage.
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Two Royal Oak Middle School students were killed and three other people in the SUV with them were injured in a rollover crash on U.S. 23 on Friday in Pittsfield Township that authorities say was likely caused by another driver who drove away from the scene.
Jordan Siegel, 14, and sister Ashley Siegel, 11, were killed when the SUV driven by their stepmother, Dawn Siegel, rolled several times along southbound U.S. 23 shortly before 3 p.m. Friday, according to Michigan State Police Brighton Post. Police said Siegel told them she was cut off and swerved into the median to avoid the other vehicle, but was sideswiped.
The siblings were a part of the Royal Oak Chargers Football and Cheer family, said Robin Newsome, Charger Cheer general manager. Ashley, a sixth-grader, was a cheerleader, and Jordan, an eighth-grader was the team quarterback.
Newsome said she was waiting to learn what funeral arrangements will be for the siblings, who had split their time between Royal Oak with their mother and Novi with their father.
State Police are looking for the driver of a light gray Honda Odyssey minivan with a temporary license plate who kept driving after the incident. Police said the driver is believed to have been a woman and that the vehicle should have front end damage from striking the white 1999 Ford Expedition driven by Siegel.
The siblings were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Huron Valley Ambulance spokeswoman Joyce Williams. The freeway was shut down for hours Friday while emergency crews and investigators worked the scene. Williams said there were five paramedic units from Huron Valley Ambulance on the scene and one transported a critical patient to the University of Michigan Hospital. A second unit transported a stable child, who was in a car seat, and an unstable patient to the University of Michigan. Two more unstable patients were transported to St. Joseph Mercy in Ann Arbor.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call the Michigan State Police tip line at 866-638-4847.
Check back for further updates.
Correction: The Ashley Siegel's age is 11.
Keith Doody
4:10 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
I coached Jordan when he was on the seventh grade basketball team. He was an outstanding kid with a bright future ahead of him. I, like many people am deeply sadden by these events. May god have rest on his soul and his family.
Cordelia Ryan
5:19 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
I know Jordan from school and his little sister from cheer and they were so nice. They will always be remembered. May God be with him, his sister, and his family.
brittany stewart
9:31 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Jordan was a great guy and good at football he was a hard worker in school RIP jordan and his little sister
george black
9:35 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
i went to Kimball with Dawn this is so tragic, no one ever wants to experience the loss of children, my prayers go out to her and the family, god bless
Jenny Lewis
11:15 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
I am so sad to hear of this tragedy. I had the privilege of getting to know Jordan this past year in my classroom and on our trip to Washington DC. I will remember him fondly. He was bright, kind, and funny. I wish his family comfort from their grief of the loss of two children.
Alexandria
12:18 am on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Jordan I talked to only a few times he was a great kid great football play :(
Kim Johnson
7:54 am on Sunday, June 24, 2012
What a tragic loss, I was privileged to know them both, as one of their lunch moms and as my children s friends and team mates. Their loss will be felt by many - they were such great kids. Thoughts with their parents.
Susan Wood
12:06 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
My son Brendan went to school and played many sports with Jordan. We have known the Siegel family for quite some time. Two very beautiful, and very talented children will be missed by MANY. Our sincere condolences to the entire Siegel family. We will continue to keep all of you in our prayers. God's blessings to all of you.
Shannon Clark
2:11 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
My daughters attend Upton and ROMS... I am absolutely heart-broken for your families. My girls and I will keep all of you in our thoughts.
Mark H. Stowers
3:15 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Does anyone know the funeral plans?
Thomas Gagne
10:57 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
By now you may have already read the Patch article.
http://royaloak.patch.com/articles/funeral-services-for-royal-oak-siblings-set-for-tuesday
Beth Reeber Valone
4:23 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Nothing yet on funeral arrangements. Several family members are still in the hospital. We will keep you posted - and let us know if you hear anything, too.
Kyra shirlee
5:29 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
This is my friend from school and I loved her very much and I know her sence 3 grade and she was a angel I just can't believe this happed to her GOD bless the hole family
Chanda Valko
10:39 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Services for Ashley and Jordan http://www.thedorfmanchapel.com/recentList.php
Barbara Mitchell
4:14 am on Friday, June 29, 2012
The funeral was Tuesday....for those who are interested, you can hear an audio of the services, or if you get a password from the family you can view the services...just go to the Dorfman website listed above....It was most devastating indeed- I didn't see one dry eye........it put things into perspective for me....having just lost my oldest and best friend, my father, my ex husband and another old friend just yesterday I thought I had it bad....but, to see parents burying their 2 children is something I just can't fathom....we all know not to take things for granted and to be grateful for what we have- but, give your kids and loved ones an extra big hug, tell them you love them, never go to bed angry- and live each day as if it was your last....you never know.....just one of many life's lessons- and this was certainly reinforced with these 2 children's untimely death....I know the kids grandfather and my son went to school with Jordan even though they were not in the same grade....My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all the families and friends during this most difficult and tragic time.....
Deb
10:50 pm on Saturday, June 30, 2012
Were the children properly restrained in seatbelts? I hope to god they were, though the 11-year-old might not have 5 stepped to fit an adult belt. About half of 11-year-olds will. I hope some children can be saved by parents realizing how important it is to use a booster. Please use a booster for your older child! An 11-year-old has an 11-year-old skeleton and can't withstand a crash well without the artificial hips of a booster, if she does not 5 step. And certainly never have them in the front seat. Not sure of the details here, but please be safe in the car!
Deb
10:53 pm on Saturday, June 30, 2012
I used to live off route 23 and we moved because I thought it was too dangerous. I saw a fatal accident on that road. Please use your boosters! The law cannot protect children because it's not sufficient, saying at age 8 it's OK not to use one? Well, a seatbelt up by the kid's neck and a lap belt over the abdomen is a recipe for disaster. I always have the nephews use them until 12. You don't want to take that chance of not, ever.
Monique
5:47 pm on Thursday, July 5, 2012
I will always love you Ashley and Jordan<3