Another Teen Dies in Car Crash in Flint, Michigan

Earlier this year in the Flint, Michigan area, a fatal car crash involving two young teens, one of which happened to be a twin brother, shook Swartz Creek High School students. The crash was due to excessive speeds when the car lost control and slammed into a tree, killing both persons. Last night during a light snowfall, yet another teen lost control of his vehicle and lost his life.

The snowfall began late into the evening when Erik Strauss,17, was leaving a friend's house to go home. He had gone out to dinner and shopping with his friend Jessica and her family.

The snow wasn't heavy, but falling temperatures made it slick to drive on, in many areas black ice was forming. A small accumulation of up to two inches was in the forecast and no one including Erik would think anything dangerous of the cold front rushing through.

While driving down Linden Rd. towards Grand Blanc, Erik hit a patch of ice and flew off the road, flipping his S10 truck before crashing into three trees. Police reports taken indicate speeding contributed to the loss of control of his vehicle.

"Teenage drivers think it's ok to ignore speed signs. They're there for a reason. And unfortunately in this case, it turned up fatal in the event of a crash due to speeding. Winter weather and speeding don't mix," says Officer Haliday, the police officer who attended the scene of the accident.

"The roads are slippery at times especially at night and drivers of any age need to take precaution when driving in these conditions."

"If snowy weather makes you lose control of your car, drivers need to be aware not to slam on the breaks and be sure to turn the steering wheel in opposite directions of the spinning car," says Michael Jansen of Swartz Creek towing.

Erik's parents are devastated and have few words to describe the pain they feel today as they begin to make funeral arrangements.

"He was our only son. He knew what he was doing with his life. He was smart. He always looked for a challenge," his mother, Nancy, said. The accident happened just as the holiday is approaching.

"I don't even want to think about Christmas right now. I don't want to celebrate it. I don't want to acknowledge it this year," Nancy painfully says, choking on her words.

Earlier this year, Jake Dinnon of Swartz Creek went out for a drive with his friend and due to speeding, the two teens crashed into a tree, losing their lives on impact. The tragic event shook students and friends, counseling was needed for many closer to them as was provided through the school officials.