A utility pole near southbound Fort and Superior streets in Southgate is decorated in remembrance following a March 14 candlelight vigil for Jessica Strother, 35, of Southgate, a pregnant pedestrian who died March 13 in a hit-and-run when she tried to cross Fort Street.
Raymond John Alkewich
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
SOUTHGATE – Southgate resident Jessica Strother, 35, was killed about 7:45 p.m. March 13 when she tried to cross Fort Street on foot and was fatally struck by a motor vehicle.
She was six months pregnant, and both she and her unborn daughter died in the crash.
Strother’s fiance’, Shane Johnson, and another witness saw the hit-and-run, said Southgate Public Safety Director Joseph Marsh, who said the driver later called the police station and said he thought he might have hit someone.
The driver, John Alkewich, a 35-year-old Wyandotte resident, is in custody and was arraigned March 16 in Southgate’s 28th District Court. He was charged with failing to stop at an accident resulting in death, when at fault, with a $2 million bond set.
The Southgate Police Department press release states that alcohol or drugs are believed to be a factor in the crash, and additional charges may be filed when toxicology results become available.
Police officers and paramedics who responded to the scene treated Strother, who was transported to Beaumont Southshore Hospital, where she died.
Marsh said no surveillance camera footage has yet been discovered from the area.
A candlelight vigil was held March 14 for Strother, who leaves behind her finance’ and a 17-year-old daughter.