Waterford woman, two young sons killed when car falls into creek

LAPEER (WWJ) A Waterford woman and her two young sons died when their car fell into a creek.

The Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office said 911 dispatch sent their deputies to a traffic collision on Saturday (7/13) at 8:43 p.m. on Lippincott Road east of Lake Nepessing in Elba Township, which borders Lapeer. Other drivers reported a car had departed the roadway, rolled over and was submerged within a creek.

According to the sheriff’s office; preliminary investigation showed the 2021 Buick Enclave was traveling east on Lippincott Road, and crossed into the other lane to try get around another car that was going slow. While passing, the Buick Enclave struck a guardrail, overturned and “came to rest within the creek.”

Michigan State Police troopers, an officer with the Lapeer Police Department, and Lapeer County Sheriff’s deputies entered the water to rescue the mother and her sons.

“The vehicle was completely submerged except for its rear tires…overturned and on its roof,” the press release read, adding that law enforcement was able to access the occupant compartment.

Lapeer City Police Sergeant Jason Miner freed the mother--identified as Jenee Suddeth, 32 of Waterford--and her sons from the vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.

Suddeth was pronounced dead at the scene.

Rescue workers performed CPR on Suddeth’s two sons at the scene and during transportation to McLaren Lapeer Regional. The older child, 12, died shortly after arrival.

The youngest, 9, was rushed to Hurley Medical Center in Flint. He died just before 6 a.m. Sunday (7/14).

Multiple agencies assisted at the scene including: Michigan State Police, City of Lapeer Police Department, Elba Township Fire and Rescue, Lapeer City Fire and Rescue, Lapeer County EMS Ambulance Service, Lapeer County Sheriff’s Dive Team, Lapeer County Reconstruction Team, Lapeer County Sheriff’s Detective Bureau, and Lapeer County Victim’s Service Unit.

The Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office said the road wad closed for about three and a half hours for rescue, investigation and to remove the car from the creek.

“This very tragic crash remains under investigation by Lapeer County Sheriff’s Deputies,” the press release read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with friends and family impacted by this tragic event.”