Mother and two children die after car crash in stream in Lapeer

ELBA TWP., Michigan – Three people, including two children, were killed over the weekend when a car plunged into a creek in Lapeer.

It happened around 8:30 p.m. A driver told police he saw a car go off the road, roll over and fall into a creek on Lippincott Road, east of Lake Nepessing in Elba Township.

Investigators say the driver of a 2021 Buick Enclave was traveling east when witnesses saw the car attempt to pass a slower-moving vehicle. While attempting to pass the vehicle, the driver of the Enclave struck the guardrail on the left side of the road before overturning and falling into a creek.

Officials say the vehicle was completely submerged except for the rear tires. When it arrived, Michigan State Troopers, Lapeer Police Department officers or County Sheriff Deputies officers entered the water to rescue it. Lapeer Police Sergeant Jason Miner found the three people in the car and freed them.

The driver of the Enclave, 32-year-old Jenee Suddeth of Waterford, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say Suddeth’s two sons, ages 12 and 9, died at nearby hospitals after the crash.

The road in the area was closed for nearly four hours for rescue, investigation and vehicle towing operations. Investigators are trying to determine if speed was a factor. The results of a toxicology report are pending.

“This very tragic accident remains under investigation by Lapeer County Sheriff’s officials,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement about the incident. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends affected by this tragic event.”