Star Baxter
By ZEINAB NAJM
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON — The motorcycle crash that claimed the life of 16-year-old Star Baxter, of Southgate is still under investigation by the Downriver Crash Team, Trenton Deputy Police Chief Michael Oakley said.
Baxter was a passenger on a motorcycle driven by her stepfather, Larry Laylow, 33, of Sougthgate on Fort Street just north of Veterans Parkway in Trenton just after 8 p.m. May 18.
Laylow was hospitalized for the multiple injuries he sustained from the crash.
Oakley said the crash cause is currently unknown, but that the motorcycle left the road off to the right where it came to rest. A witness in the area didn’t suggest speed or recklessness were factors.
To honor Baxter, her family hosted a balloon release May 23 on the site of the crash, outside of U-Stow-N-Lock Storage at 2447 Fort St. Those in attendance wore blue shirts with Baxter’s photos on them and let go of blue balloons with the help of the Police Department to ensure everyone’s safety.
Baxter was a student at Southgate Anderson High School where she competed on the varsity swimming team.
“Our hearts go out to the family, friends, teachers, coaches, and mentors who knew, supported, and loved our cherished Anderson Titan, Star Baxter,” a Southgate Community Schools Facebook post read.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected].)