Family of 4 dead in aftermath of crash on I-75 in Oakland County, state police say

A man, a woman, and two young children are dead after a multi-vehicle crash on Wednesday night on Interstate 75 in Oakland County, Michigan. 

The crash happened about 9:10 p.m. Wednesday. Michigan State Police confirmed on Thursday morning that four people died as a result of the crash, all from the same family and all who were in the same vehicle. 

Pontiac Mayor Mike McGuinness identified the victims as 24-year-old Tieree Powell, 24-year-old Zakiera Powell, 4-year-old Malani Powell, and 2-year-old Carter Powell. 

State police said one person has been taken into custody as the crash investigation continues.

All southbound lanes of I-75 were closed at Grange Hall Road (Exit 101) as a result of the crash, according to Michigan Department of Transportation reports. Traffic could re-enter at East Holly Road (Exit 98). The highway was reopened at 6:10 a.m. Thursday, according to MDOT traffic reports.

State police said the family's car was parked on the right shoulder, not blocking the road, when it was struck by another vehicle. 

McGuinness says the loss is being felt across the city.

"We're still in the early hours of that, but we as a community are going to rally around, support, pray for, and love on them as much as possible," said McGuinness.

Crash reconstruction teams are now working to determine what led to the crash.

Howard says investigators are still looking into whether intoxicants or road rage may have played a role.

With the holiday weekend ahead, the mayor says this should be a wake-up call for everyone getting behind the wheel.

"We all have to do better, and we know, we know it, we know it. And this needs to be a wake-up call for all of us," said McGuinness.

MSP says there is no timeline yet for when charges could be presented to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office.