Parents of Children in Deadly Michigan Buggy Crash Are Identified

Stock photo of police tape. Carl Ballou/Shutterstock

Michigan State Police identified the parents of children who were killed when a vehicle collided with a horse-drawn buggy.

Three children died in the accident near Sheridan, Michigan.

Paul Martin, 40, of Sheridan was in stable condition on Monday, Oct. 30, and his wife, 34-year-old Judith Martin, was listed in critical condition at a Grand Rapids hospital, The Associated Press reported.

Two sons, ages 12 and 7, and their 9-year-old daughter were killed in the accident, officials stated.

Police say that seven of the couple’s children were inside the buggy when the crash occurred in central Michigan, where many Amish communities are located.

Three sons of the couple are still hospitalized in Grand Rapids and are in stable condition. Their 18-month-old daughter was released after she was hospitalized.

The driver of a pickup truck, a 29-year-old man from Sheridan, is being questioned. He was not injured in the crash, and police said that neither drugs or alcohol were involved. An investigation continues.

Fox 17 was the first to report on the devastating crash:

A cousin of the family talked to FOX 17 Monday afternoon.  She said that she and her husband were in another buggy just ahead of the Martins when the crash happened.  She says that the family doesn’t need monetary support, but needs hot meals, firewood and help with chores during this time.

Friends and neighbors were at the Martins’ dairy farm Monday morning to help on the farm.  They told FOX 17 that they want to help keep the farm well-kept for the Martins. Along with help on the farm, they also say the family is asking for prayers. According to a pastor at a nearby church, the Martins are well-known, and locals are struggling to cope.