FLINT, Mich. — A newlywed couple has been charged in the death of a groomsman who was struck by a vehicle on the wedding day, authorities in Michigan said Thursday.
The groom, James Shirah, was at the wheel when the SUV hit Terry Taylor Jr. in Flint on Aug. 30, police said.
“After the wedding (Taylor) was involved in an argument, which led to him being intentionally struck by a large SUV that was traveling at a high rate of speed,” police said.
Shirah, 22, was charged with second-degree murder. The Genesee County public defender office said Thursday that an attorney hadn’t been assigned yet to the case.
Police described Taylor, 29, as a groomsman.
“I’ve never seen anything quite like this,” said David Leyton, who is in his 20th year as county prosecutor. “I’ve seen people running over other people but not so soon after a wedding.”
Leyton, citing the police report, said the wedding was at a pizzeria. The argument occurred at a house where the celebration continued.
Taylor was in the street in front of the house when he was hit by the SUV, Leyton said.
The bride and groom left the scene and didn’t go to police until the next day, he added, making it “more difficult to unravel what happened.”
Shirah was being held in jail without bond. His 21-year-old wife was charged with being an accessory. She posted bond Wednesday.
A joyous occasion turned tragic for a group of Michigan newlyweds, as one of their groomsmen was fatally struck by an SUV following their wedding celebration. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning as the group was leaving the reception venue.
According to reports, the groomsmen had been celebrating with the newlyweds and other guests at a local bar after the wedding reception. As they were leaving the venue, the groomsmen was struck by an SUV that was driving at a high rate of speed. The impact was so severe that the groomsmen was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the SUV, who was identified as one of the newlyweds, was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter. It is believed that alcohol may have been a factor in the accident, as the driver was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the incident.
The tragic event has left the newlyweds and their families devastated, as they struggle to come to terms with the loss of their friend and the legal repercussions that follow. The groomsmen, who was described as a beloved member of the group, had been looking forward to celebrating his friend’s wedding and had been an integral part of the festivities.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving, especially in celebratory settings such as weddings. It is important for individuals to plan ahead and make arrangements for safe transportation when attending events where alcohol will be consumed.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community has come together to support the grieving families and honor the memory of the groomsmen. Fundraisers and memorials have been organized to help cover funeral expenses and provide support to those affected by the accident.
As the legal proceedings continue, it is crucial for all parties involved to cooperate with authorities and seek justice for the victim. The consequences of drunk driving can be devastating, not only for those directly involved but for their loved ones as well.
Ultimately, this heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible behavior and making safe choices, especially when alcohol is involved. It is a tragedy that could have been prevented, and serves as a cautionary tale for others to always prioritize safety and responsibility when celebrating special occasions.
