14-year-old dies days after father killed in crash

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Savages, a family of five from Kalamazoo, were on their way to make new memories. The three boys wanted to ride dune buggies.

They never made it.

The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office says Dan Savage, his wife Chelsea and their three sons were headed west on 136th Avenue at 58th Street in Fillmore Township, northeast of Saugatuck, on Sunday afternoon when their car collided with a pickup truck.

Dan Savage, 38, was killed in the wreck. His wife and kids were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Eldest son Mason Savage, 14, was taken off life support Friday.

“That’s just a baby,” his great-aunt Tina Josten said.

She keeps a picture of her great-nephew close.

“We love you. And he is spreading his love to a lot of people,” she said.

Chelsea Savage, still in the hospital recovering herself, made the decision to take her son off life support. His organs will be donated to others, with Josten saying Chelsea Savage hopes to prevent other moms from having to go through the pain she’s feeling.

Deputies said the crash happened after Dan Savage failed to stop at a stop sign. Family was shocked and confused to hear that. Josten said Savage was a safe driver and, in fact, a driving instructor.

“He’s the person who does road tests for people to get their driver’s license, so he’s a very good driver, very cautious,” Josten said.

Josten said Chelsea Savage has a long road ahead but is expected to make a full recovery. Levi, the youngest son, should be released from the hospital soon. The second son, Parker, 11, remained in critical condition Friday.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to support the family.

“(Dan Savage) loved them so much,” Josten said.

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