A Michigan teenager, Ella Vece, was involved in a high-speed crash that resulted in the death of her best friend, Nevaeh Downs. Vece was driving at around 100 miles per hour in Downs’ car when they crashed into a tree after trying to jump a hill in Kent County, Michigan. Vece was seriously injured in the crash and Downs lost her life. Kent County Prosecutor Christopher R. Becker called the incident a result of “kids doing stupid things,” leading to a tragic outcome.
Authorities revealed that a recording from the scene captured Downs warning Vece to slow down due to an oncoming vehicle. Becker suggested that this warning may have been a distraction for Vece, resulting in the crash. Downs was described as a thoughtful, strong, and caring individual in an online obituary, with a GoFundMe page established to create a scholarship fund in her name at the Grand Rapids Community College where she was a student.
Vece was charged with reckless driving causing death, but eventually pleaded to a lesser charge of a moving violation causing death, which is considered a misdemeanor. She is expected to be sentenced in June and could face up to a year in prison if convicted. Despite the tragic outcome, Becker mentioned that the victim’s family did not want legal action taken against Vece, as they considered her to be like a daughter to them. However, Becker felt that there was still a need to hold Vece accountable in some way.
As part of Vece’s plea deal, she lost her license for a year. Becker also mentioned that the particular hill where the crash occurred has been known for previous fatal incidents in recent years. Unfortunately, Vece’s attorney was unavailable for comment. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of reckless driving, particularly for young people. Despite the loss of Downs, the family and friends of both girls are left to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event.
