High school student killed in accident will be missed
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
WYANDOTTE — Skyler Snyder-Pitts, the Roosevelt High School junior who died in a car crash Aug. 29 as she returned from band camp, was remembered Monday night as an estimated 500 people gathered at the school.
Skyler, 16, was killed when the minivan she was riding in struck a semitruck on eastbound I-94 in Ypsilanti Township. The truck had started to move into the right lane from the side of the road and did not see the minivan.
Mayor Joseph Peterson and Supt. Patricia Cole were among those who attended Monday night’s tribute.
“She had a song in her heart,” Principal Mary McFarlane said. “She was in band, and she loved to sing.”
The active teen was a member of the drama club as a stage crew member, and also was a book club member who loved to read.
“She was motivated by more than just grades,” McFarlane said. “She loved to learn. She was very goal-oriented.”
Instrumental Music Director Mark D’Angelo expressed how deeply Skyler will be missed.
“It is difficult to put into words just how wonderful Skyler was here,” he said. “Even faced with the most frustrating of situations or obstacles, despite voicing the common teenager response of ‘I can’t.’
“Skyler kept a sparkle in her eye and a smile on her face. She always met a challenge with that kind of determination: reluctance at first, but often followed by the satisfaction of victory.”
Teachers said the well-rounded teen always was willing to try something new.
“Some new attempts were inspired by the best interests of others, such as trying to learn a new instrument in the band to fill a hole,” D’Angelo said.
The funeral was held Thursday. Skyler was an organ donor, and her hair was donated to Locks of Love. She is survived by her mother, father, stepmother and three sisters.
A memorial fund for Roosevelt High School band uniforms has been established in her name. Checks can be made out to the Wyandotte Music Boosters, with a notation that the donation go for marching band uniforms. Donations can be dropped off at or mailed to the school, 540 Eureka Road.