GoFundMe launched for 16 family members hit by suspected drunk driver

CLINTON COUNTY, MI – A GoFundMe has been launched for 16 family members who were struck by a suspected drunk driver during a “devastating disaster” last weekend.

Two people died and 14 others were injured in the May 18 crash northwest of Lansing. A woman who was arrested faces 11 charges, including operating while intoxicated and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

“We have lost two members of our beloved family, Johnathan Esch, first responder and loving husband, and Dan Harris, devoted husband, father and sole breadwinner of his family. Others remain hospitalized with serious injuries that will require months of rehabilitation,” the GoFundMe campaign states.

Related: Gratiot County woman charged 11 times in crash that killed 2, injured 14

The group of family members, ranging from “toddlers to seniors,” were walking along the shoulder of South Wacousta Road near Corrison Road in Watertown Township around 6:25 p.m. when a vehicle hit them and left the scene, according to Clinton. County Sheriff's Office.

The driver fled but was eventually arrested by police several kilometers away. Ashley Marie Monroe, 35 of Gratiot County, was later arraigned on May 20.

The GoFundMe is raising money to support the family's medical needs, funeral expenses, long-term care and other recovery needs. More than $40,000 has been raised so far, and a vigil was also held this week to honor the lives of Esch, 30, and Harris, 42.

“As the rest of our family actively helps them through this time, your desire and requests for help have inspired us to create a fund that will help our efforts go even further,” the campaign states.

Any money donated will go directly to the victims and their immediate families.