Holiday Season DUI
Posted by
Richard SchulteJanuary 01, 2008 6:26 PMWe have all become too familiar with stories similar to this one. The holidays provide many with a few days off of work, Christmas bonuses to spend, and sadly, an opportunity to indulge in irresponsible behaviors. Unfortunately, this story has left one father in critical condition and the rest of his family dead.
Yesterday, the 24-year-old Adrian man -- who records show had a blood alcohol level of 0.254 percent, more than three times the legal limit of 0.08 percent -- was charged with five counts of aggravated vehicular homicide.Michael Gagnon was being held last night at the Lucas County jail pending an arraignment tomorrow in Toledo Municipal Court.
The fatal accident occurred just before 11 p.m. Sunday on southbound I-280 near the Manhattan Boulevard overpass.
Police said Mr. Gagnon's northbound Ford F-350 collided nearly head-on with a Chevy Astro van being driven south by Danny Griffin, Jr., 36, of Parkville, Md.
Bethany Griffin, 36, Jordan Griffin, 10, Lacie Burkman, 7, and Haley Burkman, 10, were pronounced dead at the scene. Vadie Griffin, 8 weeks old, was taken to St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Mr. Griffin was in serious condition yesterday at St. Vincent. Sidney Griffin, 8, was listed in critical condition, and Beau Burkman, 8, was discharged about 4:45 p.m., a hospital spokesman said.
Please remember this story throughout the new year as one person's irresponsibility could end in a devastating event, such as the one described above. Happy Holidays and have an exciting and safe New Year.
For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.