A Michigan father faces criminal charges following a fatal Thanksgiving Day head-on collision that claimed the life of his 5-year-old daughter.
Prosecutors say that on Nov. 27, 2025, Austin Thorpe, 31, of Lapeer, was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Impala southbound on M-53 in Bruce Township when he crossed a center turn lane and struck a 2013 Chevrolet Impala traveling northbound head-on.
Authorities transported Thorpe, his children and the driver of the other vehicle to a local hospital, where his 5-year-old daughter later died.
Investigators allege Thorpe failed to properly restrain his 2-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter in the vehicle.
Macomb County prosecutors charged Thorpe with operating while intoxicated causing death, two counts of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, two counts of third-degree child abuse, two counts of moving violation causing serious impairment, one count of moving violation causing death and felony commission with a motor vehicle.
Prosecutors are also charging Thorpe as a second-offense habitual offender.
“This was a completely preventable tragedy. The allegations are that the defendant was impaired, failed to properly secure two young children, and then caused a crash that left one child dead, another seriously injured, and an innocent driver badly hurt. When drivers ignore basic responsibilities, the consequences can be catastrophic,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said.
A judge arraigned Thorpe on Wednesday and set bond at $500,000. Should he secure release, Thorpe must wear an alcohol-monitoring tether, is barred from operating a vehicle and is prohibited from consuming alcohol, marijuana or any non-prescribed controlled substances, according to prosecutors. He is also forbidden from contacting the victims or their families.
Thorpe remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court June 16 for a probable cause conference.