STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN: A pregnant woman died while her husband and son sustained severe injuries after a teenager, while attempting to flee from the police, crashed into their SUV.
The horrific crash took place around 9.30 pm on Saturday, August 12, when police tried to pull over the 16-year-old driver of a Chevrolet Equinox.
After being chased by officers for 36 seconds, the teenager touched speeds of 90 mph and drove through a red light before striking a GMC Terrain, carrying a family of three, at the intersection of Van Dyke Avenue and Metro Parkway in Sterling Heights, as per People.
Who was Faith Gumma?
Faith Gumma, 31, who was three months pregnant with her second child, tragically died in a hospital after sustaining fatal injuries in the crash.
Her husband, Norman, who was driving the vehicle, remains hospitalized in critical condition, with severe head trauma. Their two-year-old son Elijah has been discharged after sustaining fractured ribs and lacerated organs, according to a GoFundMe page.
“We’re all praying that [Norman] pulls through this without any brain damage, and we are asking everyone to pray that he makes a full recovery so he can be there for his son,” the fundraiser read.
Peter, a family member, told WXYZ that the couple got married during the Covid-19 pandemic and were excited to welcome their second child.
"The two were just starting to build a family," he said, adding, "Faith was pregnant, she always wanted a girl, and just a horrific tragic to see.”
“She was a light, she was pure, she was genuine, she was happy, she lifted everyone, she was more excited for people than they were excited for themselves,” Randa Bakoss, Gumma's friend, said.
“He was everybody’s teddy bear, hardworking family man and would take his shirt off for anybody. We're praying for a miracle. We're praying that he recovers,” Peter said about Norman.
What are the charges against the teenager who caused Faith Gumma's death?
Authorities revealed that the teenager, who was uninjured in the crash, has since been taken into custody. However, no charges have been filed against him.
Officers were attempting to pull him over when they believed he may have been under the influence and driving without insurance, according to WDIV.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, this is horribly tragic,” Sterling Heights Police Lt Mario Bastianelli told WJBK.
He added, “This is a police officer’s worst nightmare. In the midst of trying to do your job and catch bad people doing bad things, this resulted from it. You feel for whatever reason you're going to run from the police, it's not worth it."
