Dwayne Antonio Harvey, 59, of Detroit, was driving his Buick Envision as an Uber driver when the crash happened around 11 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Eight Mile Road and Coolidge Highway in Oak Park, Michigan.
Police said a Dodge Charger driven by 19-year-old Tracy Darwin Sutton was traveling east on Eight Mile Road when it went through a red light and collided with Harvey’s vehicle, which was traveling north on Coolidge Highway. Investigators said surveillance video from a nearby business helped confirm the sequence of the crash.
Both vehicles suffered extensive damage. Emergency crews had to remove Harvey from the Buick before taking him to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
A 23-year-old passenger in Harvey’s Uber vehicle was also seriously hurt. Police said the passenger was ejected during the collision and was found in the roadway before being taken to a hospital in critical condition. Sutton suffered minor injuries, while his passenger was not seriously injured.
Police Say Alcohol Was Involved
Sutton was taken into custody following the crash. Authorities allege that his blood alcohol concentration was 0.161, more than twice Michigan’s legal limit.
He was arraigned Sept. 20 and faces charges of operating while intoxicated causing death and operating while intoxicated causing serious injury. His bond was set at $2 million. If released, court conditions include house arrest with GPS monitoring and alcohol monitoring, as well as a prohibition on driving. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 28.
The charges are allegations, and Sutton is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Harvey Was a Teacher and Mentor at Oak Park High School
For students and staff at Oak Park High School, Harvey’s death was more than the loss of a teacher. He was known for his connection with students and for taking an active role in school life.
Harvey taught math and served as the senior class sponsor. Oak Park Schools described him as someone who brought warmth and positive energy into the school and made a point of supporting students and colleagues.
He was also known for his love of Prince’s music and the color purple. The school planned a tribute in which students and staff would wear purple and play some of Harvey’s favorite music in his memory.
Oak Park officials also remembered Harvey as an educator, mentor and role model whose influence extended beyond the classroom. The city said his death was being felt by students, educators, family members and others who knew him.
Harvey had been working evenings as an Uber driver at the time of the crash. His work outside the classroom was part of his life beyond teaching, while those who knew him continued to remember the impact he had on young people at Oak Park High School.
The investigation and court proceedings are continuing as the community mourns Harvey and his family awaits the next steps in the case.
