Off-Duty Detroit Firefighter Headed to Trial in Fatal Crash [Roseville, MI]

An off-duty Detroit firefighter was bound over for trial on May 13, 2026, in connection with a fatal drunk driving crash on Groesbeck Highway in Roseville that claimed the life of an 85-year-old Oak Park woman. The case, which has drawn significant attention across Macomb County, highlights the devastating consequences that impaired driving can have on innocent motorists sharing Michigan roads.

Details of the Incident

The crash occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on April 9, 2026, on Groesbeck Highway just south of Martin Road in Roseville. According to investigators, Travis Turner, 26, of Roseville, was driving a 2016 Ford Fusion at high speed when he struck a 2006 Saturn Ion driven by 85-year-old Eleanor Johnson of Oak Park. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene. Turner’s passenger, Alexandra Deif, 23, was also injured in the collision.

Emergency Response and Investigation

First responders arrived at the scene and pronounced Eleanor Johnson deceased. Turner was tested following the crash and registered a blood alcohol content of 0.14 — nearly twice Michigan’s legal limit of 0.08. He now faces charges of operating while intoxicated causing death and possession of a firearm while under the influence. Turner was arraigned and is scheduled to appear in Macomb County Circuit Court on May 26, 2026.

What Victims and Families Should Know

When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired, the consequences for innocent people on the road can be catastrophic and irreversible. Cases like this one are a stark reminder of why Michigan law treats drunk driving causing death as a serious felony. Families who lose a loved one to an impaired driver may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim in civil court, separate from any criminal proceedings.

Michigan’s wrongful death statute allows surviving family members to seek compensation for losses including funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship and guidance. A civil claim can proceed even if criminal charges are pending, and the outcome of one case does not determine the outcome of the other. Families should not wait to understand their legal options.

Even in cases where criminal charges are filed, victims’ families are not automatically entitled to civil compensation — that requires a separate legal process. An experienced personal injury attorney can help surviving family members navigate the complexities of Michigan’s wrongful death law, deal with insurance carriers, and build a case that accounts for the full scope of their loss.

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido stated that every time someone chooses to drink and drive, they are making a conscious decision to put other lives at risk. That principle extends beyond the criminal courtroom — civil liability exists precisely to hold negligent drivers accountable and provide some measure of justice for those left behind.

If your family has lost someone in a drunk driving crash in Roseville, Macomb County, or anywhere in the Metro Detroit area, you don’t have to go through this alone. Our firm serves families throughout Macomb County and the surrounding communities, and we understand the weight of what you’re facing. To speak with an experienced Michigan wrongful death attorney, contact us today for a free consultation.

Source:ClickOnDetroit