Tragic Incident in Westland: Father of Twins Loses Leg in Neighbors’ Reckless Crash
WESTLAND, Mich. – A chilling incident took place in Westland that has left a father of three-month-old twins grappling with life-altering injuries. In an unsettling twist, a neighbor is accused of intentionally crashing her car into him while he was in his own driveway, resulting in the amputation of part of his leg.
What Happened?
On the evening of August 10, 2024, at around 7:17 PM, the Vinsko family was unloading their car outside their home on Florence Street. Luke and Haley Vinsko were excited to spend some quality time together as it was their first date night since welcoming their twins. However, their peaceful evening quickly turned into a nightmare when April Marie Graves, 43, allegedly crashed her car into them, with authorities suggesting that speed and possibly alcohol or drugs contributed to this reckless act.
According to reports, Luke found himself pinned under the car after the collision. First responders had to work quickly, using tools to free him before rushing him to the hospital. Unfortunately, the injuries were so severe that part of his leg had to be amputated.
A Family in Crisis
Luke is now trying to navigate his new reality while managing the demands of raising twins. “My wife is phenomenal,” he expressed, noting how she has been juggling everything from scheduling doctors’ appointments to managing medications. The couple’s resilience during this crisis shines through as they strive to remain positive: “I’m going to do everything I have been doing my entire life, but better!” Luke added, indicating that while this incident will slow him down, it certainly won’t stop him.
The couple’s lives have dramatically changed not just because of Luke’s injuries but also due to the emotional toll it has taken on their family unit. “I do not like being outside anymore,” Haley admitted, expressing her anxiety every time she hears a car accelerate. “I jump; I’m very nervous to be outside,” she said, revealing the psychological impact this traumatic episode has inflicted. The family is considering moving to a place that does not have stairs, as Luke will need extensive rehabilitation and care in the future.
Legal Action
In light of these traumatic events, the Vinskos have filed a $50 million lawsuit against April Graves and her insurance company. As they seek justice, they hope that this legal action brings attention to the seriousness of reckless behavior that can devastate families.
The Response from Authorities
Interestingly, neighbors reported that they had called the police about Graves’ erratic behavior earlier in the day. Despite these warnings, it seems multiple officers were already engaged in a time-consuming traffic stop when the crash occurred. The Westland Police Department has acknowledged the public concerns about their response time, especially given the severity of the incident.
They stated that they are conducting an internal investigation to review how calls are prioritized and responded to in the future. “We understand the public concern regarding a delayed response,” the department noted in a statement. Their intention is to enhance their operational procedures for future incidents.
Need for Community Support
The Vinsko family’s ordeal highlights not only their individual tragedy but also reflects a broader issue of community safety and awareness. As they navigate the difficulties ahead, the family is determined to stay strong for their twins and each other. Luke’s unwavering optimism serves as an inspiring reminder that resilience can shine even in dire circumstances.
As this tragic story unfolds, the community watches closely, hoping that it leads not only to justice for the Vinskos but also encourages discussions on safety, accountability, and the importance of responsible behavior.
