A 17-year-old Michigan girl has become the latest victim of a devastating wrong-way crash on US-131, officials confirmed.
On Monday, Nov. 3, Portage Community High School student Alayiah Lazzara died from injuries sustained after the vehicle she was in was struck by a car traveling the wrong direction, according to reports from NBC affiliate WOOD, FOX affiliate WXMI, and CBS affiliate WWMT. Her mother, Erika Brown, identified her daughter to WOOD.
“There really are no words. It’s a little overwhelming, but I can’t believe that this has been such a turnout like this for my baby,” Brown said during a vigil that drew more than 100 mourners. Attendees released dozens of pink and purple balloons into the night sky. “I really wish she was here to see the love,” she added, “and how much people really do love her.”
Authorities said Erin Louise Jones, 38, of Grand Rapids, was driving a Subaru Legacy southbound on US-131 around 1 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, when she exited at 129th Avenue. Jones then made a U-turn and began driving south in the northbound lanes. Despite police efforts to stop her, she continued for about four miles before colliding with a Ford Fusion, WOOD reported.
Jones, Emmanuel Browning, 18, of Kalamazoo — the Ford driver — and an 18-year-old front-seat passenger were all pronounced dead at the scene. Three teenagers in the backseat, including Lazzara, were critically injured. During the vigil, Brown said that one of the other injured teens was her daughter’s best friend.
“Please just continue to pray for all of these young folks, kids, that are just hurting,” she said.
Two of Lazzara’s teachers have since created a GoFundMe page to help Brown cover funeral costs. “Erika is a single mom who will be off work for an unknown amount of time and will need support in whatever way you can give during this difficult time,” they wrote. The fundraiser has received more than $18,000 as of Wednesday, Nov. 5.
On Monday, Nov. 3, Jackson High School shared that one of its students was also injured in a recent accident. “Let us lift up Amir Hicks, another member of the Class of 2025, who was involved in a recent car accident,” the school posted on Facebook. “He has undergone surgery and is recovering.” The message described Hicks as “known for his bright smile, determination, and resilience,” and added, “As he begins his journey of healing, we surround him and his family with love, encouragement, and prayers for a full recovery.”
The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office stated that alcohol may have been “a contributing factor for the at-fault operator.” The Allegan County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet commented.
Now, as the investigation continues, Brown and other parents are struggling to process the loss. “We bump heads like any mother and teenage daughter, you know, but she was my baby girl,” Brown said through tears. “Alayiah was always right there, and she didn’t hold grudges very long. She always found a way back into mending and being in people’s lives.”
