Nevaeh Downs Obituary – Authorities and reports have revealed that a tragic high-speed crash in Michigan resulted in the death of 18-year-old Nevaeh Downs. The incident occurred when Ella Vece, 19, was driving at approximately 100 miles per hour in Downs’ Volkswagen Jetta on Thanksgiving night.
They attempted to jump a hill in Kent County but lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and collide with a tree. Sadly, Downs did not survive the crash, and Vece sustained serious injuries.
Kent County Prosecutor Christopher R. Becker described the incident as a result of “kids doing stupid things” that tragically ended in a loss of life. Becker mentioned that a recording from the scene captured Downs warning Vece about an oncoming vehicle, speculating that this may have distracted her.
Downs, who had recently graduated from high school, was remembered as a thoughtful, strong, and caring individual. An online obituary and a GoFundMe page were created to establish a scholarship fund in her name at Grand Rapids Community College, where she was a student.
Vece was initially charged with reckless driving causing death, a felony. However, she pleaded to a lesser charge of a moving violation causing death, which is a misdemeanor. Vece is scheduled to be sentenced in June and could face up to a year in prison if convicted.
Despite the victim’s family not wanting to proceed with the case, Becker emphasized the need to hold Vece accountable in some way. As part of her plea deal, Vece had her license suspended for a year.
Becker also mentioned that the hill where the crash occurred has been the site of several fatalities in recent years. The attorney representing Vece was unavailable for immediate comment.
