News Summary
A 23-year-old man from Plymouth, Michigan, has been charged following a high-speed crash that killed 76-year-old Elvia “Dee” Rivera. Stephen W. Barry is facing charges for moving violation causing death. The incident occurred on Interstate 75, where Barry rear-ended a Jeep, leading to fatal injuries for Rivera after a second collision. Reports state that Barry was driving over 95 mph and had traces of THC in his system. He is currently free on bond as legal proceedings continue.
Birch Run Township – A 23-year-old man from Plymouth, Michigan, has been charged in connection with a fatal high-speed crash that resulted in the death of a 76-year-old woman on December 1, 2021. Stephen W. Barry has been charged with a moving violation causing death, a misdemeanor that carries penalties of up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
The incident occurred on Interstate 75 at approximately 10:20 p.m., when Barry rear-ended a Jeep, causing his Ford vehicle to flip onto its roof. Following this initial crash, a third vehicle collided with the disabled Jeep. The victim, Elvia “Dee” Rivera, was seated in the backseat of the Jeep. Reports indicate that she was conscious and speaking after the first impact but sustained fatal injuries during the second crash. Rivera succumbed to her injuries later that night.
Several others inside the Jeep suffered minor injuries and were treated at local hospitals following the incident, while Barry was assessed on-site. Law enforcement conducted field sobriety tests, and Barry passed these tests but admitted to smoking marijuana the day before the crash. Subsequent blood tests revealed the presence of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, indicating that he had been under the influence at the time of the accident.
Investigators determined that Barry was traveling at speeds exceeding 95 mph just prior to the collision. Prosecutors have stated that the crash likely would not have occurred if Barry had not been exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 mph.
Legal proceedings against Barry have progressed since an arrest warrant was issued on May 7, 2023. He was taken into custody on May 22, 2023, and is currently free on bond while awaiting his next court date in Saginaw County District Court.
Victim’s Background
Elvia “Dee” Rivera, born in Corpus Christi, Texas, had a rich personal history. She married her husband in Flint in 1967 and is survived by him along with three daughters. Rivera was a dedicated dental hygienist admired for her warmth and kindness, and she also had a notable moment in her past when she won the American GI Forum Beauty Pageant in 1965.
A devoted family member, Rivera was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished spending time with her family. She enjoyed various activities, including shopping, traveling, and playing games, all while maintaining a strong spiritual life that grounded her community and family ties. Her legacy is marked by her love and devotion to her family, and she will be remembered for the impact she had on those around her.
Conclusion
The events surrounding this tragic accident serve as a somber reminder of the consequences of reckless driving behavior. As the case unfolds, the community continues to reflect on the loss of a cherished member, while legal proceedings seek to address the actions that led to such a devastating outcome.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Wayne County Man Charged with Killing Woman in High-Speed Crash
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- ABC12: 38-Year-Old Killed in Saginaw Crash Blamed on Excessive Speed
- Google Search: High Speed Crashes News
- MLive: Saginaw Man Charged with Fleeing Following High-Speed Chase
- Google Scholar: Reckless Driving
- Michigan Legal Center: Saginaw MI Injury Crash Reported
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Speeding Related Accidents
- MLive: Judge Acquits Ex-Carrollton High School Football Coach
- Google News: Car Accidents in Michigan
