Mattawan Woman Accused of Being Under the Influence in Tragic Crash That Killed 8-Year-Old Girl
Mattawan, MI – A devastating crash in Van Buren County has left a community in mourning after an 8-year-old girl was killed and a Mattawan woman is now facing serious criminal charges. Authorities allege that the driver, a 32-year-old woman from Mattawan, was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash.
The accident occurred late Sunday afternoon near the intersection of Red Arrow Highway and 30th Street, an area known for frequent traffic. According to Michigan State Police, the suspect was driving a black SUV eastbound when she veered into oncoming traffic, striking a sedan carrying a mother and her two young children.
The impact of the collision was severe. Emergency responders arrived quickly and rushed all three occupants of the sedan to a local hospital. Despite efforts by paramedics and doctors, 8-year-old Lily Thompson, a third-grade student at Paw Paw Elementary, was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Her 5-year-old brother and their mother sustained non-life-threatening injuries but remain hospitalized for observation.
Police say field sobriety tests conducted at the scene raised suspicion, and the Mattawan woman was taken into custody. Blood tests are pending, but investigators believe impairment played a significant role in the crash. She is currently being held at the Van Buren County Jail and is expected to be formally charged with operating while intoxicated causing death — a felony that could carry up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
“This is an unthinkable tragedy that could have been prevented,” said Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott in a press briefing Monday morning. “One family’s life is forever changed because someone chose to drive impaired. We are committed to pursuing justice for the victim.”
Lily’s school released a statement expressing grief and offering support to her classmates and teachers. “Lily was a bright and kind student who brought joy to everyone around her. We will miss her dearly,” said Principal Tara Benson. Grief counselors have been made available to students and staff throughout the week.
The suspect’s name has not yet been released pending formal arraignment. Neighbors describe her as a quiet woman who kept to herself, but court records reveal a prior arrest for driving under the influence in 2021, raising further questions about how the situation was allowed to escalate.
The incident has reignited conversations around Michigan’s impaired driving laws and the adequacy of enforcement. Community members are organizing a candlelight vigil for Lily on Friday evening in Mattawan’s main park, with many calling for tougher penalties for repeat offenders.
As the investigation continues, officials are urging drivers to be mindful of the irreversible consequences of impaired driving. “One bad decision can take a life,” said Sheriff Abbott. “Let this be a wake-up call.”
Charges are expected to be filed within the next 48 hours. Authorities have asked anyone with information or who witnessed the crash to come forward as they complete their investigation.
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