News Summary
Angela Fitzgerald, 45, has been charged with felony and misdemeanor offenses following a bus crash that injured several students near Grand Rapids. The accident involved a charter bus transporting students to a field trip and has raised safety concerns. The community is providing support for the injured students, including 16-year-old Makayla DePriest, who requires ongoing medical care after suffering severe injuries. Fitzgerald is facing serious charges, including operating while intoxicated, as investigations by Michigan State Police continue.
Grand Rapids – Angela Fitzgerald, a 45-year-old woman from Grand Rapids, has been arraigned in Ionia County District Court on August 6 after being charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses related to a charter bus crash that occurred on March 29. The incident has left one student with serious injuries and three others with minor injuries.
Fitzgerald faces two felony charges, including operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, along with six misdemeanor charges. The crash took place around 6:55 a.m. on eastbound I-96 near Kent Street, while the charter bus was transporting a total of 15 individuals, comprising 11 students and 4 adults. These individuals were part of a field trip from the Grand Rapids Civic Theater to Ohio.
According to reports, the bus veered off the road and collided with a guardrail. The Michigan State Police Lakeview Post is currently conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Fitzgerald has also been charged with operating under the influence of a controlled substance; however, the specific substance involved has not been disclosed at this time. Following her arraignment, Fitzgerald has been provided with legal representation through the Ionia County Public Defender’s Office, although her attorney has not yet met with her.
Impact on Students and Community Support
Among the injured students was 16-year-old Makayla DePriest, who is reported to have chronic Hydrocephalus. Makayla underwent brain surgery in June to address her condition and now requires further medical treatment following her hospitalization due to the bus accident. She suffered a concussion during the crash, leading to severe headaches and nausea.
In response to the incident, the Grand Rapids Civic Theater is organizing a community event where members can create homemade cards to support Makayla and the other injured students. The theater has expressed heartfelt concern for all affected families and has committed to providing comprehensive support from the community.
Details of the Incident and Legal Proceedings
Fitzgerald’s charges are serious, reflecting the severity of the injuries sustained by the students involved in the bus crash. The criminal charges against her highlight the legal consequences that can arise from impaired driving, especially when injuries occur. The Ionia County District Court proceedings are part of a broader legal framework aimed at addressing driving under the influence, which poses significant risks to public safety.
The Michigan State Police’s thorough investigation is expected to delve deeper into the specifics of the incident, including any contributing factors that may have led to the bus’s erratic behavior before the crash. Their findings will likely inform the prosecution’s case, as well as community safety measures in the future.
Background Context on the Grand Rapids Civic Theater
The students involved in the incident are part of a specific program offered by the Grand Rapids Civic Theater, which strives to provide enriching experiences for young talents in the arts. Beyond the immediate consequences of the crash for the individuals involved, the event has raised significant awareness about the importance of safe transportation practices for students on outings. The theater’s initiative to foster community support for the injured students reflects the collective response of stakeholders in the education and arts sectors, emphasizing the need for vigilance regarding student safety during field trips.
As the legal proceedings continue and investigations unfold, the community remains focused on supporting the students and their families during this challenging time, highlighting the resilience and solidarity of the Grand Rapids community in face of adversity.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Woman Accused of Impaired Driving in I-96 Charter Bus Crash
- Wikipedia: Bus Accidents in the United States
- WoodTV: Bus Driver Charged with OWI in March Crash on I-96
- Google Search: Charter Bus Crash Michigan
- WZZM13: Bus Driver Facing OWI Charges in Grand Rapids Civic Theater Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Traffic Accidents
- Fox17: Mom Speaks Out After Daughter Injured in GR Civic Theatre Bus Crash
- Google News: Impaired Driving
- WLIX: 4 Students Injured in Michigan School Bus Crash
- Google Scholar: Impaired Driving Laws
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
